The Story Behind the Cake

Discover the magic of Japanese baking with this incredibly simple yet irresistible apple cake. Born from the art of minimalist cooking, this recipe transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into a moist, fragrant dessert that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pastry chefs alike, this cake proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 3 large eggs (US) / 150g eggs (Europe)
• 120g (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp) granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) vegetable oil
• 100 ml (1/2 cup) milk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 180g (1.5 cups) all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1/2 lemon
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
• Lemon zest

For Serving (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter
   • In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 eggs
   • Add granulated sugar and vanilla
   • Beat with a mixer for 2-3 minutes
   • Mixture should become light and fluffy
   • Gradually add vegetable oil
   • Pour in milk
   • Sprinkle baking soda
   • Add lemon zest and lemon juice
2. Incorporate Flour
   • Sift flour to remove lumps
   • Add flour in two portions
   • Mix thoroughly until smooth
   • Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender
3. Prepare Apple Filling
   • Peel and core apples
   • Cut into small, uniform cubes
   • Mix apple cubes with sugar
   • Add vanilla and lemon zest
   • Toss to coat evenly
4. Assemble and Bake
   • Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F)
   • Grease a 24cm (9-inch) baking dish with butter
   • Pour half the cake batter into the dish
   • Distribute apple filling evenly
   • Cover with remaining batter
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes
   • Check with a toothpick for doneness
5. Finish and Serve
   • Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes
   • Turn out onto a serving plate
   • Dust with powdered sugar if desired
   • Serve warm or at room temperature

Nutritional Information

Per Serving:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

Cooking Time:

• Prep: 5 minutes
• Baking: 35-40 minutes
• Total: 40-45 minutes

Servings: 8-10 slices

Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Use room temperature eggs for better mixing
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep cake light
• Dice apples uniformly for even distribution
• Check cake doneness with a toothpick
• Let cake cool slightly before removing from pan

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option:
  • Use gluten-free flour blend
  • Add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
• Dairy-Free Modification:
  • Replace milk with almond or oat milk
  • Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil
• Fruit Variations:
  • Substitute apples with pears
  • Add cinnamon for extra warmth
  • Try mixed berries for a different flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes! It keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Q2: How do I store the cake? A: Cover loosely and store at room temperature or refrigerate.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

Q4: What if I don’t have a mixer? A: Whisk vigorously by hand for about 5 minutes.

Q5: Can I use different apples? A: Yes! Use any firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: 2-3 days in airtight container
• Refrigeration: Up to 5 days
• Freezing: Whole cake or individual slices
• Reheating: Warm briefly in oven or microwave

Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of this Japanese-inspired apple cake – a true celebration of straightforward, delightful baking!