This juicy apple cake combines the classic warmth of baked apples with a rich, caramel-coconut topping for a delightful twist on traditional desserts. The soft cake base is topped with a layer of fresh apples and finished with a sticky, sweet topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a crunchy contrast to the tender cake and fruit beneath.
Why You’ll Love This: The combination of soft apples, moist cake, and the crunchy coconut caramel topping makes this cake a sensory delight. Each component adds a layer of texture and flavor that complements the others perfectly. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for special occasions or as a comforting weekend bake.
Perfect Occasion: This apple cake is ideal for autumn gatherings, where the apples are in season and their flavor is at its peak. It’s also a great choice for holiday celebrations, family dinners, or as a special treat to enjoy with afternoon coffee or tea.
Decoration Tips: Before serving, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or drizzle with a little extra caramel for those who prefer a sweeter dessert. Garnishing with toasted coconut flakes can enhance the coconut flavor and add an extra textural element.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 130g soft butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 whole eggs
- 100g sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla sugar
- 180g flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
For the Apple Layer:
- 1kg apples, peeled, cored, and cut into large pieces
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
For the Coconut Caramel Topping:
- 150g soft butter
- 250g brown sugar
- 60g liquid cream
- 250g coconut flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine soft butter, egg yolks, whole eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix thoroughly (if using a kitchen machine, blend for 20 seconds at level 4).
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 26cm springform pan.
- Add the Apples:
- Arrange the apple pieces over the base, pressing them down slightly. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Place in the preheated oven on the second rack from the bottom and bake for 45 minutes.
- Make the Coconut Caramel Topping:
- Melt the butter (in a Thermomix or similar device, set for 3 minutes at 70 degrees, speed level 2).
- Add brown sugar and cream, and continue to heat while stirring until the sugar has dissolved (in the Thermomix, 14 minutes at 70 degrees, reverse function, speed level 2).
- Fold in the coconut flakes with a spatula.
- Finish the Cake:
- Briefly remove the cake from the oven after the initial baking period. Spread the coconut caramel mixture evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the topping is golden and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan before removing it. Once cool, cut into pieces and serve.
Enjoy this luscious apple cake with its rich caramel coconut topping as a perfect end to any meal or a wonderful afternoon treat. Its layers of flavors and textures are sure to delight everyone who tries it!
