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I stumbled upon this treat one rainy Sunday when I needed to use up apples from my backyard. It's now my go-to comfort cake that warms everyone's hearts. While it bakes, the whole house fills with an amazing smell that brings the entire family rushing to the kitchen. What makes it so special is how the crispy top contrasts with the soft, apple-filled center.
A heartwarming apple delight
What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is. You don't need fancy chef skills to make this dessert, yet it wows people every time. The apples get wonderfully soft in the oven while the batter turns golden. My little trick is adding a splash of rum that brings out all the flavors. Even my picky kids always ask for seconds.
Simple shopping needs
- Basics you'll need: Creamy plain yogurt, white sugar, a dash of my favorite amber rum, and a tiny bit of sea salt
- For just the right texture: My go-to baking powder, sifted flour, unsalted butter, and two fresh eggs
- The main attractions: Juicy, ripe apples and a packet of vanilla sugar for amazing aroma
The baking magic unfolds
- First, get things hot
- My oven warms up to 180°C while I gather everything.
- The batter that matters
- I whip eggs with sugar until they're almost white and fluffy. Then I mix in yogurt, flour with baking powder, and finally melted butter. A splash of rum and we're good to go.
- Time for apple magic
- After peeling, I slice them thin and gently fold them into my batter.
- Oven transformation
- Everything goes into my buttered pan for 40 minutes of baking. I keep an eye on that golden color—it tells me when it's ready.
- Final touches
- I let my cake cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Waiting is tough with that amazing smell filling the room.
My personal twists
For those who don't want alcohol, pure vanilla extract works great. Sometimes I add golden raisins soaked in rum or grated lemon zest for freshness. My guilty pleasure is serving it still warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
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Little extras that make the difference
I love drizzling homemade caramel on top or adding some berries for a tangy kick. On Sundays I enjoy it with my favorite Earl Grey tea, but when friends drop by, we break out our village's craft cider. It's pure foodie bliss.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of apples works best?
Golden or Reinette apples are perfect as they hold their shape while baking. Picking firm apples delivers great results.
- → Can I skip the rum?
Absolutely, swap it with vanilla extract or apple juice. For kids, just leave out the rum or add a splash of juice instead.
- → How can I check if it's baked?
Stick a knife in the middle; it should come out clean. The top should look golden and feel slightly crisp.
- → How do I store this cake?
Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. It'll stay soft and keep its crisp texture if stored well.
- → Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, it freezes wonderfully for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.