Everybody knows about apple cake, but this one is quite exceptional and aromatic. We made it by cooking the apples in a pan with butter and sugar until completely caramelized, and then transferred them to the cake mixture. This "trick" provides a unique aroma, taste, and, above all, softness to the cake. And, if you like, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to give it that extra bit of spice!
* approximate values per serving
Peel the apples and cut into wedges. Cook them in a pan with 60g of butter, 50g of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon (if you like cinnamon). When the apple is well cooked, leave it to caramelize for a while until it becomes a beautiful amber colour, then mash it up with a wooden spoon or, if you prefer, blitz with an electric blender. Transfer to a bowl. Add all the other ingredients: eggs, flour, baking powder, the remaining butter (melted), and the remaining sugar. Mix together really well with a wooden spoon. Pour the mixture into a buttered and floured baking tin. Garnish with a few slices of apple, sprinkle with a little sugar (we used light brown sugar), and bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.
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Peel the apples and cook them in a frying pan with sugar and butter
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Leave the apples to caramelize, then mash them up with a wooden spoon
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Transfer the apples to a bowl
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Add the eggs
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Add the flour
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Add the sugar
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Adding the baking powder
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Add the melted butter
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Add the lemon zest
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Mix everything well
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Pour the cake mixture into a buttered and floured baking tin
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Garnish with some slices of apple
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Cook for 30 minutes at 180°C and serve
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A tasty variation of the classic blended apple cake is the use of whole wheat flour. This choice not only enriches the flavor of the dessert but also adds a greater amount of fiber, making the dish more nutritious. To prepare the blended apple cake with whole wheat flour, simply replace the white flour with whole wheat flour in the same quantity. The result will be a cake with a slightly different texture, but just as delicious. Additionally, whole wheat flour gives a slight nutty aftertaste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the caramelized apples. For an extra touch, you can add chopped nuts or dark chocolate chips to the batter, creating a truly interesting mix of flavors.
The Trentino-style blended apple cake is a variation that celebrates the authentic flavors of Trentino Alto Adige. In this preparation, the apples used are often local varieties, such as Renette or Golden Delicious, which impart a unique and characteristic taste. Furthermore, to make the dessert even more typical, a splash of Trentino grappa can be added to the batter, enhancing the flavors and providing a warm aroma. The Trentino-style blended apple cake is perfect for accompanying a coffee or afternoon tea, and it also works well as a dessert after a meal. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it becomes a true comfort food.
For those who wish to enjoy the blended apple cake in a lighter version, it can be prepared without butter. In this case, you can substitute the butter with Greek yogurt or applesauce, which keeps the batter moist without weighing it down. This light variation is perfect for those on a low-calorie diet or for anyone looking to reduce fat intake without giving up dessert. The cake will still be soft and fragrant, thanks to the addition of cinnamon and grated lemon zest. Additionally, by using brown sugar or natural sweeteners, you can make the preparation even healthier. Even in this version, the flavor of the caramelized apples remains the undisputed star of the dessert.
Apples, the main ingredient of the blended apple cake, are a fruit rich in health benefits. They are famous for their high fiber content, which aids digestion and helps maintain cholesterol levels in check. Moreover, apples are low in calories, with about 52 calories per 100 grams, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced weight. Thanks to the presence of antioxidants, such as quercetin, apples help combat cellular aging and protect the heart. Regularly consuming apples can also contribute to improved metabolic health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In short, besides being delicious, apples make the cake a healthier and more nutritious dessert.
The blended apple cake can be easily stored, making it practical for advance preparations. After baking, let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, you can place it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. This way, the cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature. If you wish to store it for a longer period, you can also freeze it. To do this, it is advisable to slice it first and place the slices in a freezer-safe food bag. When you want to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven. This dessert will always be ready for a snack or an impromptu dessert!