Apple Slice Cake
Apple Slice Cake Recipe with Warm Spices and Wholesome Ingredients
Introduction
The Apple Slice Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of apple with the soft, spongy texture of cake. This recipe is perfect for those who love fruit-flavored desserts and are looking for a simple yet delicious treat to make at home. Whether you're a beginner baker or an experienced chef, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious outcome every time.
History
The Apple Slice Cake has its roots in traditional apple desserts that have been enjoyed for centuries. Apples have been a staple ingredient in baking due to their availability and versatility. Over time, various cultures have developed their own versions of apple cakes, incorporating local ingredients and techniques. This particular recipe is a modern take on the classic apple cake, simplified for convenience without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
- 0.13 cup of frozen apple juice concentrate
- 0.5 cup of sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 tbsp of baking powder
- 1 tbsp of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp of ginger
- 0.25 tbsp of salt
How to prepare
- In a bowl, cream together apple juice concentrate, sugar, and egg.
- Add the dry ingredients to the mixture and mix well. Transfer the batter into a 9" round non-stick baking dish. If the batter is not smooth like cake batter, you can add up to 0.13 cup of water.
- Bake the mixture in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Once baked and almost cooled, slice the cake in half and fill it with softened apple chunks. To soften the apple chunks, microwave them until they release some sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix 0.5 cup of icing sugar with enough milk to make icing.
- Add 3 drops of red food coloring to the icing.
- Spread the icing over the cake.
- This recipe can be doubled if desired.
Variations
- Consider the following variations to customize the Apple Slice Cake to your liking:
- Add nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
- Use pear juice concentrate instead of apple for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries into the apple filling for added sweetness and texture.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure your Apple Slice Cake turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen apple juice concentrate for the best flavor.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix them.
- Sift the flour and other dry ingredients to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and filling it with apple chunks to prevent it from breaking.
Serving Suggestions
The Apple Slice Cake can be served as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. It also pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe utilizes basic baking techniques, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Creaming together the wet ingredients before incorporating the dry ones ensures a smooth batter, while baking at a moderate temperature allows the cake to cook evenly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you're missing an ingredient or wish to make a substitution, consider the following:
- Replace apple juice concentrate with the same amount of apple sauce for a moister cake.
- Use a flaxseed egg instead of an egg white to make the recipe vegan.
- Swap cinnamon and ginger with nutmeg or allspice for a different spice profile.
Make Ahead Tips
The Apple Slice Cake can be made a day in advance. Simply bake the cake, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Fill and ice the cake before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Presentation Ideas
For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the iced cake with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar. Serve each slice on a plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.
Pairing Recommendations
This cake pairs beautifully with a light-bodied dessert wine such as Moscato or a sparkling cider. The sweetness of the wine complements the tangy flavor of the apple, making for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Apple Slice Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. Avoid reheating the entire cake to prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A single serving of the Apple Slice Cake contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dessert option, perfect for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without consuming too many calories.
Carbohydrates
This Apple Slice Cake is primarily a source of carbohydrates, with the main contributors being sugar and flour. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body. The apple juice concentrate and sugar contribute to the sweetness and texture of the cake.
Fats
The Apple Slice Cake is low in fats, with only trace amounts present from the egg white. This makes it a lighter option compared to traditional cakes that may use butter or oil. The absence of high-fat ingredients makes this cake a suitable option for those monitoring their fat intake.
Proteins
Each serving of the Apple Slice Cake contains about 3 grams of protein, primarily from the egg white used in the recipe. While not a significant source of protein, it contributes to the overall nutritional profile of the dessert.
Vitamins and minerals
The Apple Slice Cake provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals, particularly from the apple juice concentrate and spices. Apples are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, while cinnamon and ginger offer antioxidant properties.
Alergens
The main allergen present in this recipe is egg. Individuals with egg allergies should avoid this cake or consider using an egg substitute. The recipe is free from nuts, dairy, and soy, making it suitable for those with common food allergies.
Summary
Overall, the Apple Slice Cake is a low-fat, moderate-carbohydrate dessert that offers a good balance of flavors and nutrients. It's a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
The Apple Slice Cake is a versatile and delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it's a great recipe for bakers of all levels. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your family or a delightful dessert to impress your guests, this cake is sure to satisfy.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Apple Slice Cake. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I flipped through an old cookbook that belonged to my own grandmother. The pages were worn and stained, a testament to the countless meals that had been prepared using its recipes.
As I turned the crinkled pages, a faded yellowed piece of paper fell out onto the kitchen counter. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Apple Slice Cake. The handwriting was delicate and precise, a stark contrast to my own messy scrawl.
I could tell that this recipe was special. It was unlike anything I had ever made before, with its layers of spiced apples and sweet cake. I could practically taste the warm flavors just by reading the ingredients list.
I knew I had to make this cake, to recreate the flavors that had been passed down through generations. As I gathered the necessary ingredients, I couldn't help but think about my own grandmother and the love and care she put into every meal she made.
As the cake baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon filled the kitchen, bringing back memories of my childhood and the times I had spent with my grandmother in her own kitchen.
When the cake was finally done, I carefully sliced into it and took a bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue, a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of spice that lingered on my lips.
I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire, a dish that I would pass down to future generations just like my grandmother had passed it down to me.
Over the years, I continued to make the Apple Slice Cake, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a touch more cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract, and always made sure to use the freshest apples I could find.
Each time I made the cake, I felt a connection to my past, to the women who had come before me and had lovingly prepared meals for their families. I could almost hear their voices whispering in my ear, guiding me through each step of the recipe.
As I grew older, I realized that the true magic of cooking lies not just in the food itself, but in the memories and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. The Apple Slice Cake became more than just a dessert for me, it became a symbol of my family's history and a reminder of the love that had been woven into every dish.
And so, as I stand here today, baking yet another Apple Slice Cake for my own grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that started it all. It may just be a simple dessert, but to me, it represents so much more - a connection to my past, a bridge to my future, and a legacy that will live on for years to come.