Apple Cake with Apricot Jam Glaze

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 3 tablespoons sugar (for caramelizing the apples)

• • 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing the apples)
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • 1 egg

• • A pinch of salt
  • 8 grams vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
  • 50 grams sugar

• • 50 grams vegetable oil
  • 5 grams baking powder (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 200 grams all-purpose flour

For the Glaze:

• Apricot jam, for glazing the top of the cake (about 3-4 tablespoons)
• Fine sugar, for dusting on top (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Apples:

1. 1. Sauté the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the 2 apples into small pieces. In a small skillet, melt the 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and 3 tablespoons sugar. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and caramelized. Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the apples, then set them aside to cool.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

2. 2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the 1 egg with 50 grams sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth. Add the 50 grams vegetable oil and mix again until well combined.
   3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the 200 grams flour, and 5 grams baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
   4. Add Apples: Gently fold the sautéed apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Bake the Cake:

5. 5. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a cake pan (approximately 8-inch/20 cm round or square) and pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
   6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   7. Cool: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze:

8. Glaze the Cake: While the cake is cooling, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat for 2-3 minutes to thin it out. Once the cake has cooled slightly, brush the warm apricot jam over the top of the cake to create a shiny glaze.
9. Optional: Dust the top of the cake with some fine sugar for a little extra sweetness and sparkle.

Serving Suggestions:

1. 1. Serve slices of the apple cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

1. 1. Pair with a cup of warm tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
   2. Serve as a dessert at a dinner party, garnished with fresh mint or a few extra apple slices.
   3. This cake also pairs well with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts, like walnuts or almonds.

1. For a festive touch, top with a dusting of powdered sugar and serve on a decorative plate for holidays or special occasions.

Cooking Tips:

• • Be sure to sauté the apples until they are soft and slightly caramelized. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add flavor to the cake.
  • You can substitute the apricot jam with any other fruit jam or preserve, like peach, strawberry, or raspberry, depending on your preference.

• Make sure the butter is melted before adding it to the apples to avoid clumps.
• For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with a non-dairy butter substitute and use a plant-based milk like almond milk.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, which help support a healthy immune system and digestive health.

• Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• The eggs in this cake provide protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.

Dietary Information:

• • Calories per serving: Approx. 210-250 calories (depending on portion size and ingredients used)

• • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Gluten: Contains gluten from the flour
  • Dairy-free option: Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free yogurt or a non-dairy glaze.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Protein: 3g

• • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 18g

Storage:

• • Room Temperature: Store the apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: If you need to keep the cake longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake will stay fresh, but the glaze may lose its shine.
  • Freezer: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This apple cake is incredibly easy to make, yet delivers on taste and texture. The blend of apples, cinnamon, and vanilla creates a comforting aroma and flavor, while the apricot glaze adds a fruity sweetness. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, this recipe is foolproof and a guaranteed success.

Conclusion:

This Apple Cake with Apricot Jam Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, aromatic treat. The cake is soft and moist, with bursts of sweet apple throughout, while the apricot glaze gives it an elegant finish. It’s the perfect dessert for any time of year—whether you’re craving a cozy snack or need a dessert for a special event. Once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!