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Prepare the Apples:
Start by washing and peeling the apples. Cut them into thin slices and place them in a bowl. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the apple slices to prevent them from browning and to add a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness of the cake. Set the apples aside.
Caramelize the Apples:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and stir until it dissolves and starts to caramelize. Add the apple slices to the skillet and cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let them cool.
Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the 180g of sugar. Beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This will take about 5 minutes of mixing on high speed. Add a pinch of salt and the vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract) and mix again.
Add the Wet Ingredients:
Gradually pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to beat the mixture. Then, add the yogurt or sour cream and mix until everything is well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour into the wet mixture to avoid lumps, and gently fold it in using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Add the baking soda and stir until the batter is smooth and free of any flour streaks. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Assemble the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Arrange the caramelized apple slices on top of the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading it gently to cover them.
Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and have a slight spring when pressed gently in the middle.
Glaze and Finish:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, spread the jam of your choice over the top of the warm cake. I recommend apricot jam for a fruity, slightly tart contrast to the sweet cake. If you like, you can also dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serve:
Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it and serve. This cake is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Cooking Tips:
Apple Variety: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady for a more balanced flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, go for Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp.
Avoid Overmixing: When adding the flour, mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs, yogurt, and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend more easily and evenly into the batter.
Nutritional Benefits:
This German apple pie isn’t just delicious—it also offers some nutritional benefits. Apples are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. They’re also packed with vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. The eggs provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins, while the yogurt adds calcium and probiotics that are beneficial for bone health and digestion. Although this is a sweet treat, it does have its nutritional perks, especially when made with wholesome ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll fall in love with this German apple pie because it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake combined with the tender, caramelized apples creates a dessert that is both comforting and elegant. The hint of lemon adds a refreshing zing, while the vanilla and sugar provide just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible!
Dietary Information:
Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian, perfect for those who follow a meat-free diet.
Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
Lower Sugar Option: To reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute or cutting back on the sugar in the batter and glaze.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it combines simple, classic ingredients in a way that enhances their natural flavors. The acidity from the lemon juice prevents the apples from turning brown and balances the sweetness of the cake. The caramelization of the apples adds depth to their flavor, making them the perfect complement to the soft cake. The jam glaze on top not only adds flavor but also a beautiful shine that makes this cake as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this famous German apple pie is the recipe for you. It’s a cake that melts in your mouth, bursting with the flavors of caramelized apples, vanilla, and a hint of lemon. Whether you’re a fan of traditional apple pies or just looking for a new favorite dessert, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if this becomes your most requested recipe!
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