This Apple Cake is a timeless classic that beautifully highlights the natural sweetness of apples, nestled in a moist and tender crumb. With a soft and flavorful base made from a blend of flour, almonds, and yogurt, this cake offers a lovely contrast of textures and flavors. The thinly sliced apples are artfully arranged on top, staying perfectly in place to create an appealing, glossy finish that’s achieved with a light coat of jam or syrup after baking. The combination of vanilla, a hint of almond, and the caramelized apples makes this cake a delightful treat that is both comforting and indulgent. Simple to prepare and sure to impress, it’s a wonderful go-to recipe when you’re craving something sweet but sophisticated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You will adore this apple cake for its simplicity and versatility. It’s a recipe that works wonderfully for both novice and experienced bakers, as it uses basic pantry ingredients with very little fuss. The cake's rich flavor comes from the inclusion of vanilla and a touch of almond flour, giving it a unique taste that sets it apart from other apple cakes. The apples, arranged thinly on top, become slightly caramelized during baking, adding an extra layer of sweetness and texture to each bite. Another great reason to love this cake is that it stays moist for days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or casual family meals. Plus, the recipe allows for easy substitutions if you’re missing an ingredient, meaning it’s as flexible as it is delicious.
Perfect Occasion: This apple cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea, a casual brunch, or a cozy family dinner. It’s light enough to enjoy as a snack, but its rich flavors make it a satisfying dessert as well. It works wonderfully for potlucks, school events, or as a comforting treat during the holidays when apples are at their peak. The cake’s moist texture and sweet apple topping also make it a great companion to a cup of tea or coffee, perfect for relaxing afternoons with friends or family. It’s an ideal dessert to serve when you want something homemade and comforting without being overly heavy or rich.
Decoration Tips: To make this apple cake even more beautiful, focus on how you arrange the apple slices. For an elegant touch, fan the thin apple slices out in a circular pattern, starting from the edges and working your way towards the center of the cake. After baking, brush the surface of the cake with a thin layer of warmed apricot or apple jam to give it a glossy finish. This not only makes the cake look more appealing but also adds an extra layer of sweetness. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a classic look, or scatter a few toasted almond slices around the edges for added crunch and visual appeal. A few fresh apple slices on the side of the serving plate can also enhance the presentation, giving it a rustic yet refined charm.
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 150 grams of granulated sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1 tablespoon of regular sugar mixed with vanilla extract)
- ½ teaspoon of powdered vanilla or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 125 grams of plain yogurt (or substitute with milk or cream)
- 100 milliliters of sunflower oil
- 200 grams of all-purpose flour
- 50 grams of almond flour (or substitute with hazelnut flour or an additional 50 grams of regular flour if preferred)
- A pinch of salt
- 11 grams of baking powder
- 1 large apple or 2 small apples, peeled and thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, one packet of vanilla sugar, the vanilla, eggs, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and slightly frothy.
- Add the liquids: Stir in the yogurt and sunflower oil, continuing to whisk until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, almond flour, and baking powder to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Prepare the cake pan: Grease and flour a round cake pan (approximately 24-26 cm in diameter). Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the apples: Thinly slice the apple(s) and arrange the slices in a decorative pattern on top of the batter. Sprinkle the second packet of vanilla sugar over the apples to add sweetness and help them caramelize during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and bake the cake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Add the finishing touch: Once the cake is out of the oven, brush the top with a thin layer of warmed jam or syrup to give it a beautiful, glossy finish. Let the cake cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy!