This soft apple and mascarpone cake is the perfect balance of light, airy texture and rich, comforting flavors. The cake is made with mascarpone, which gives it an incredibly moist crumb, while caramelized apples add a sweet, buttery note that makes each bite irresistible. Topped with thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of sugar, this cake bakes up golden and delicious. It’s a wonderful dessert to serve for a special occasion or to enjoy with an afternoon cup of tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it combines the freshness of apples with the creaminess of mascarpone for a cake that’s light yet full of flavor. The addition of almond powder gives it a subtle nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramelized apples. This cake is also incredibly moist and stays soft for days, making it perfect for baking ahead of time. The caramelized apple pieces throughout the cake add bursts of flavor in every bite, while the crisp, sugared apple topping adds a lovely texture.
Perfect Occasion
This apple and mascarpone cake is perfect for autumn gatherings, family dinners, or special events where you want to serve something simple yet impressive. It’s also great for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a cozy dessert for a quiet evening at home. The combination of apples and mascarpone makes it an elegant dessert for the holiday season, and it pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine.
Decoration Tips
To make this cake look even more inviting, you can dust it with a light coating of powdered sugar after it has cooled. For added elegance, consider drizzling a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top. Garnish the center with a few extra slices of caramelized apple or a sprinkle of cinnamon to highlight the cozy flavors of the cake. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Ingredients for Soft Apple and Mascarpone Cake:
- 2 apples
- 4 eggs
- 130g sugar
- 250g mascarpone (leave out of the fridge for 1 hour before use)
- 150g flour
- 50g almond powder
- 14g baking powder
- 2 pinches of salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
For the Caramelized Apples:
- 2 apples
- 30g butter
- 35g sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy.
- Add the softened mascarpone and mix with a hand mixer until smooth, but avoid overworking the mascarpone.
- Gradually add the flour, almond powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Caramelize the Apples:
- Wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into small cubes.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sprinkle with sugar. Cook the apples, stirring regularly, until they are caramelized and golden.
- Allow the caramelized apples to cool slightly before folding them into the cake batter.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Thinly slice the remaining 2 apples and arrange them in an overlapping pattern on top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the top of the cake with brown sugar for a caramelized finish.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If needed, add an additional 5 minutes of baking time depending on the size of your cake pan.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy this soft apple and mascarpone cake, a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and creamy richness!