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
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: semolina, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Grease the sides and bottom of a baking dish with butter, ensuring it is completely coated.
- Peel the apples and grate them using a coarse grater. Set aside a couple of tablespoons of the dry ingredients mix for later use.
- Visualize dividing the dry mixture into three equal parts. Spread one-third of the dry mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer one-third of the grated apples on top of the dry mixture in the dish. Sprinkle with some cinnamon for added flavor.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, alternating the dry mixture with the grated apples, and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon each time.
- Top the final layer with the reserved dry mixture. Grate cold butter over the top layer for a rich and buttery finish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Apple Cake Cafe - A cozy spot known for its traditional apple desserts. Location: 15 Baker St, London, UK.
- Sweet Apple Delights - Offers a variety of apple cakes with modern twists. Location: 22 Orchard Rd, New York, USA.
- Café Antonovka - Famous for its authentic Eastern European apple cakes. Location: 10 Old Town Square, Riga, Latvia.
- Fruit & Flour - An elegant place serving innovative apple-based pastries. Location: 34 Rue de L'Église, Paris, France.
- The Granny's Tart - Known for its homely apple tart variations. Location: 120 King St, Melbourne, Australia.
- Pie'n Paradise - Specializes in all kinds of fruit pies, including apple delights. Location: 55 Fruity Ave, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Apple Blossom Bakery - A hidden gem for apple cake lovers. Location: 7 Cherry Ln, Dublin, Ireland.
- Fruit Fusion - Offers a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary apple desserts. Location: 140 Orchard Park, Tokyo, Japan.
- Crumble & Crunch - Known for its delightful crumble topping variations on apple cakes. Location: 99 Main Rd, Wellington, New Zealand.
- Apple Orchard Cafe - Set in an apple orchard, offering fresh and delicious apple cakes. Location: 36 Hilltop Rd, Seattle, USA.