Apple freshness cake

Ingredients

Cake Layers

240 grams (2 cups) flour
100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar
125 grams (1/2 cup) butter
10 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar
1 egg
1.5 teaspoons baking powder

Custard

100 grams (1/2 cup) butter
500 grams (4 cups) apples
200 grams (3/4 cup) sour cream (20-25%)
100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar
10 grams (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Ensure you have a set of bowls in different sizes; they'll make mixing and assembling a breeze.
Electric mixer
Perfect for whipping up that smooth, lump-free custard.
Rolling pin
Essential for rolling out even, thin layers. Dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
Fork
Don't forget to prick the dough to prevent bubbling while baking.
16 cm (6.3 inch) ring
To achieve perfectly round and uniform cake layers.
Parchment paper
Line your baking sheets to ensure the layers don't stick and crumble.

Instructions

Step 1

This is the most delicate apple cake that literally melts in your mouth. It’s amazingly tasty, fresh and unusual.

Step 2

1. For the dough, mix the sifted flour with the baking powder. Add the grated or finely chopped cold butter. Grind the mixture into crumbs. Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a crumbly texture.

Step 3

2. Whisk the egg with the sugar, then add it to the dough mixture. Knead until homogeneous. Wrap the dough in foil and refrigerate for 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps it to set and become easier to handle.

Step 4

3. Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a layer on floured parchment paper. Prick the dough with a fork and bake in an oven preheated to 200°C (392°F) for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden. Cut the hot cake layers using a 16 cm (6.3 inch) ring. Using a ring ensures a uniform size for all cake layers.

Step 5

4. Peel the apples, cut them into slices, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Place the apples in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add a little water, and simmer for 5 minutes under a closed lid. Add the sugar and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until cooked. Simmering with the lid on helps the apples cook evenly.

Step 6

5. Blend the hot apples into a puree, then immediately add the sour cream and butter. Stir until smooth and add the vanilla sugar. Cool the custard and place it in the fridge for 3 hours. Adding the ingredients while the apples are hot helps to blend everything smoothly.

Step 7

6. Whip the cooled custard with a mixer and spread it on the cooled cake layers. Be careful, the cake layers are very fragile! Assemble the cake and coat the sides and top with the custard. Decorate with crumbs from the cake layer scraps.

Step 8

7. Place the cake in the fridge overnight. Bon Appetit! Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly.

Servings

Now that your beautiful apple cake is ready, the question is - how to serve this masterpiece? 🍰

**Dress it up with autumn vibes**: Pair your delicate apple cake with a warm, spiced apple cider or a steaming cup of cinnamon tea. The spicy tang complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

**A scoop of vanilla ice cream**, anyone? The creamy richness of the ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the custard-filled layers of the cake. 🍦

***Go nutty!***: Sprinkle some toasted almond flakes or crushed pecans on top for added crunch and an extra layer of flavor.

For a fresh twist, serve each slice with a **dollop of whipped cream** and a few fresh mint leaves. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.

**Try a fruity garnish**! A few slices of caramelized apples or a drizzle of apple syrup can elevate your cake, taking it from simply delicious to spectacular! 🍏

Variations

Looking to make this delightful apple cake *gluten-free* or *vegan*? 🎉 We've got you covered!

Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. 🧁

Vegan Variation: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Swap the egg for a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use a non-dairy sour cream substitute, such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt, in the custard. 🥥🍏

Faq

Why did my cake layers turn out too hard?
This can be due to over-baking or using too much flour. Make sure to bake only until the layers turn golden and not more.
Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Yes, you can experiment with fruits like pears or peaches. The cooking process remains similar, just make sure to adjust the sugar to your taste.
How can I prevent my dough from sticking while rolling?
Generously flour your rolling pin and work surface. You can also roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper for easier handling.
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the custard a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just whip it up again before assembling.
How do I achieve ultra-smooth custard?
Use a high-quality blender to puree the apples until absolutely smooth, and make sure butter and sour cream are fully integrated while still warm.
My cake layers crumbled while assembling. Any tips?
Handle the layers gently and ensure they are completely cool before assembling. If yours break, use them as the middle layers to hide the cracks.