Simple Apple Cake with Semolina

This traditional apple cake is a delightful dessert that hails from Eastern Europe, particularly Latvia. It beautifully combines the tartness of Antonovka apples with the creamy texture of semolina, resulting in a comforting and delicious treat. The recipe has been passed down through generations, loved for its simplicity and subtle flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 kg sour apples (Antonovka)
  • 1 cup semolina
  • 1 cup flour
  • 0.5-1 cup sugar
  • 150 g butter

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 pinch of salt

Preparation Time

  • Total time: 80 minutes
    • Prep time: 20 minutes
    • Cook time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: semolina, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
  2. Grease the sides and bottom of a baking dish with butter, ensuring it is completely coated.
  3. Peel the apples and grate them using a coarse grater. Set aside a couple of tablespoons of the dry ingredients mix for later use.
  4. Visualize dividing the dry mixture into three equal parts. Spread one-third of the dry mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Layer one-third of the grated apples on top of the dry mixture in the dish. Sprinkle with some cinnamon for added flavor.
  6. Repeat the layering process two more times, alternating the dry mixture with the grated apples, and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon each time.
  7. Top the final layer with the reserved dry mixture. Grate cold butter over the top layer for a rich and buttery finish.
  8. To make the top layer more visually appealing, you can sprinkle sliced almonds over it. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 170°C for approximately 40 minutes.
  9. Once baked, cover the cake with a towel to let it swell and become juicier. This process enhances the texture and flavor of the cake.
  10. Enjoy your delicious apple cake!

Tips

  • For a moister cake, melt all the butter with 50 g of milk and pour this mixture into small holes made in the top layer.
  • Substitute almonds with your preferred nuts for added crunch.
  • Ensure your apples are tart; this adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Nutritions

  • Calories: 300 per serving
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fats: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g

Variations

  • Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
  • Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup for a healthier twist.
  • Incorporate other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Best Places

  1. Apple Cake Cafe - A cozy spot known for its traditional apple desserts. Location: 15 Baker St, London, UK.
  2. Sweet Apple Delights - Offers a variety of apple cakes with modern twists. Location: 22 Orchard Rd, New York, USA.
  3. Café Antonovka - Famous for its authentic Eastern European apple cakes. Location: 10 Old Town Square, Riga, Latvia.
  4. Fruit & Flour - An elegant place serving innovative apple-based pastries. Location: 34 Rue de L'Église, Paris, France.
  5. The Granny's Tart - Known for its homely apple tart variations. Location: 120 King St, Melbourne, Australia.
  6. Pie'n Paradise - Specializes in all kinds of fruit pies, including apple delights. Location: 55 Fruity Ave, Cape Town, South Africa.
  7. Apple Blossom Bakery - A hidden gem for apple cake lovers. Location: 7 Cherry Ln, Dublin, Ireland.
  8. Fruit Fusion - Offers a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary apple desserts. Location: 140 Orchard Park, Tokyo, Japan.
  9. Crumble & Crunch - Known for its delightful crumble topping variations on apple cakes. Location: 99 Main Rd, Wellington, New Zealand.
  10. Apple Orchard Cafe - Set in an apple orchard, offering fresh and delicious apple cakes. Location: 36 Hilltop Rd, Seattle, USA.