Apple Lemon Cake with Apricot Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines the fresh taste of apples, the zing of lemon, and the sweetness of apricot glaze. This cake is light, moist, and full of flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an afternoon snack or as a dessert at a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Here’s how to create this beautifully moist cake with an easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- Apples: 2 (Granny Smith apples are ideal, but any tart apples will work well)
- Butter: 25 g (for caramelizing the apples)
- Lemon juice: 15 g (for brightening the flavor)
- Sugar: 20 g (for the apples)
For the Cake:
- Eggs: 2 pcs
- Sugar: 130 g (for the cake batter)
- Milk: 60 g
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): 60 g
- Sunflower oil: 60 g (for moisture)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Flour: 200 g
- Baking powder: 8 g
For the Apricot Glaze:
- Apricot jam: For glazing the cake and giving it a glossy finish
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
Prepare the Apples
- Peel and slice the apples: Start by peeling the apples and slicing them into thin, even pieces. This ensures they will cook evenly and caramelize properly.
- Cook the apples: In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced apples, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become slightly caramelized. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the cake batter.
Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake tin, either 18 cm or 20 cm in size, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake after baking.
- Beat the eggs and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This step is important for creating a light and airy texture in the cake.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), sunflower oil, and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Sift and fold in the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Assemble and Bake the Cake
- Prepare the cake tin: Grease and line the cake tin with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top to create an even layer.
- Add the caramelized apples: Gently arrange the caramelized apple slices evenly over the top of the batter. The apples will sink slightly during baking, creating a wonderful fruity layer in the cake.
- Bake the cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cool the cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly in the tin. After about 10 minutes, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze the Cake
- Prepare the apricot glaze: In a small saucepan, gently warm some apricot jam until it becomes more liquid. You can do this by heating it over low heat or microwaving it for a few seconds.
- Brush the glaze: Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a pastry brush to apply the warm apricot jam over the top of the cake. This will give it a beautiful, glossy finish and enhance the fruit flavor.
- Let the glaze set: Allow the glaze to cool and set before serving.
Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips
- Choosing the right apples: For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith. Their slightly sour flavor contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake and glaze.
- Preventing overmixing: When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle to avoid overworking the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake.
- Even apple distribution: If you want the apples to be evenly distributed throughout the cake, consider adding half of the caramelized apples to the batter before baking and the rest on top. This will give you a more even distribution.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: If you plan to serve the cake within a couple of days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: To keep the cake fresh for a longer time, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze the cake, slice it into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free: Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, replace the milk, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and butter with suitable dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, coconut yogurt, and dairy-free margarine.
- Apple variety: While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a milder flavor.
- Additional toppings: Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar over the cake for a touch of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen apples for this cake?
Yes, you can use frozen apples. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
2. Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, you can use other fruit jams or preserves like apricot, peach, or raspberry for the glaze. A citrus glaze made from lemon or orange juice and powdered sugar also works well.
3. How can I tell when the cake is fully baked?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Conclusion
Apple Lemon Cake with Apricot Glaze is a simple yet elegant dessert that brings together the delightful flavors of fresh apples, zesty lemon, and a sweet apricot finish. It’s a cake that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon treat or a dessert for a special event. With its moist texture and balanced flavors, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the process of making it, and savor every bite of this delicious creation!