This Sumptuous Apple Lemon Cake beautifully marries the crisp sweetness of Golden apples with the zesty vibrance of fresh lemon, creating a dessert that’s as delightful to the palate as it is to the eye. Each layer of this cake tells a story of texture and flavor—tender apple chunks enveloped in a soft, moist crumb, topped with thinly sliced apples that caramelize to a perfect golden hue. This cake is a testament to the simple pleasures of home baking, offering a comforting, aromatic treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: The combination of lemon zest and juice not only infuses the cake with a bright citrus flavor but also enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, resulting in a dessert that balances richness and tanginess beautifully. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of this cake, paired with its rustic, elegant appearance, makes it a delightful addition to any gathering or a cozy night in.
Perfect Occasion: This Apple Lemon Cake is ideal for an autumn harvest table, a festive family gathering, or as a sophisticated dessert at a dinner party. It’s also perfect for afternoon tea, where its subtle flavors can truly be savored alongside your favorite brew.
Decoration Tips: For an exquisite presentation, arrange the apple slices in a decorative spiral on top of the cake before baking. Once baked and cooled, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and a hint of additional sweetness. Garnishing with a few lemon zest curls or a drizzle of simple lemon glaze can enhance its visual appeal and add an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 190g sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 110g melted butter, cooled
- Zest of one lemon
- Lemon juice (for apple tossing)
- 200g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 14g baking powder
- 190g milk
- 2 large Golden apples, one diced finely and one sliced thinly
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
- Wash, peel, core, and finely dice one of the apples. Toss the diced apple in a bowl with some lemon juice to coat. This not only prevents browning but also enriches the flavor of the apples as they bake.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the cooled melted butter and beat again until well integrated.
- Stir in the lemon zest. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder, and gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Slowly add the milk, mixing until the batter is smooth. Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Arrange the thinly sliced apple pieces over the top of the batter in a decorative pattern and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
- Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Serving:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with sifted powdered sugar for a beautiful, professional finish.
Enjoy this Sumptuous Apple Lemon Cake as a spectacular treat that combines the timeless flavors of apple and lemon in a soft, delightful dessert. Perfect for sharing or indulging in a slice with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to impress.
