Apfelkuchen: Apple cake.
Apfelkuchen, or German Apple Cake, is a classic German dessert made with a tender vanilla cake base and layered with fresh slices of juicy apples. Cinnamon and nutmeg often complement the sweetly spiced flavor profile, while a sprinkle of sugar on top adds a delightful crust. This cake is traditionally served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and is a cozy treat perfect for any occasion, from afternoon coffee to holiday gatherings. The baking process allows the apple slices to soften and meld into the cake, infusing it with rich, fruity flavors. It's a comforting, homey dessert that captures the essence of German baking tradition.
Introduction:
Indulge in the warmth of the season with this scrumptious Heirloom Apple Cake, a recipe handed down from the kitchen of Fusion Food Blog. Inspired by a visit to the countryside and the homegrown apples from a loving mother-in-law, this cake promises to be a delightful dessert that is both sweet and creamy. Packed with apples and encased in a tender vanilla crust, it's a perfect way to celebrate apple season and create lasting memories.
Ingredients:
For the Vanilla Crust:
- 150g regular flour
- 35g powdered sugar
- 75g cold butter, diced into small cubes
- Seeds of half a vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tbsp cold water
For the Apple Filling:
- 4-5 small Elstar apples (or 6 tiny ones)
- Juice of 1 lemon (~2 tbsp)
- 100g apple mousse
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 4 egg yolks
- 200g whipped cream
- A pinch of cinnamon powder
- 2-3 tbsp shaved almonds (for topping)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Electric mixer
- Silicon mat (optional)
- Rolling pin
- 20cm diameter baking tin
- Spatula
- Plastic foil for wrapping dough
- Fork
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes dough chilling)
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Instructions:
1. Start by preparing the vanilla crust. In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, powdered sugar, and add the diced cold butter, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), salt, and egg yolk. Gradically add cold water, starting with 2 tablespoons and increase only if needed.
2. Mix the ingredients with a kneading hook, or by hand, until incorporated. Continue to knead by hand until the dough is smooth.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic foil and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
4. For the apple filling, peel, core, and slice or julienne the apples. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the apple mousse, caster sugar, whole egg, egg yolks, whipped cream, and cinnamon. Beat until smooth using an electric mixer.
6. Fold the sliced apples into the cream mixture and set aside.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. On a floured surface (silicon mat recommended), roll out the chilled dough to about 3mm thick, and carefully line the baking tin, making sure to cover the bottom and sides.
9. Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork, then pour in the apple filling. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle shaved almonds over the top.
10. Bake on the lower rack of the oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
11. Let the cake cool before removing from the tin. For best flavor, let it mature overnight.
12. Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the marriage of sweet apples and vanilla-infused creaminess.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure your butter is cold to achieve a flaky crust.
- Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making the crust tender and easier to work with.
- Don't skip the lemon juice; it keeps the apple slices looking fresh and bright.
- For an extra touch of elegance, dust the finished cake with powdered sugar before serving.
This recipe is inspired by Fusion Food Blog, a place where traditional recipes meet modern creativity. You can watch the entire cooking process on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FusionFoodBlog.
#applecake #vanilla #heirloom #homemade
YouTube channel - Fusion Food Blog: https://www.youtube.com/@FusionFoodBlog
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