Rustic Apple Cake Recipe

This delightful rustic apple cake is a sweet and comforting dessert layered with fresh apples and aromatic spices. It's perfect for an autumn gathering or a cozy afternoon at home. The combination of grated apples and a unique dry dough mixture creates a cake that's both moist and slightly crumbly. The use of semolina, along with traditional baking ingredients, gives this cake an interesting texture and depth of flavor. A hint of vanilla and the buttery top enhance the simple yet delicious taste. The preparation process is straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner bakers. Additionally, it's a versatile recipe that can accommodate various dietary preferences with a few simple tweaks. Enjoy this comforting cake warm, perhaps paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Its homey appeal will surely make it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 7 apples, grated (add more if desired; sprinkle with sugar if they are tart)
• 1 cup semolina
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1 packet of butter
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder (without heap)

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 70 minutes (Preparation: 30 minutes, Cooking: 40 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prep the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Gather all your ingredients to ensure you have everything on hand.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the semolina, sugar, flour, baking powder, and vanilla sugar. Stir well to ensure the baking powder is uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Grate the Apples: Using a coarse grater, grate the apples. If your apples are particularly tart, you may want to sprinkle them with a little sugar to balance the flavor.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Depending on how thick you want the cake to be, choose a shallow pan or a deeper dish. Grease the dish with half of the butter, spreading it evenly across the surface.
5. Layer the Ingredients: Start by spreading a layer of the dry mixture evenly over the base of the dish.
6. Add Apples: Spread a layer of grated apples over the dry mixture. If needed, sprinkle a bit more sugar over the apples to suit your taste.
7. Repeat Layers: Continue layering by adding another layer of the dry mixture followed by another layer of apples. Repeat until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of the dry mixture on top.
8. Top with Butter: Dot the top layer with the remaining butter, ensuring it's evenly distributed to help the top turn a lovely golden brown.
9. Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
10. Check Doneness: To ensure the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
11. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan before serving. This will help it set further and make it easier to slice.
12. Serve: Cut into squares and serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
13. Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before serving to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
14. Adjust Sugar: Adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
15. Butter Substitute: If you prefer, you can substitute margarine or a vegan butter alternative.
16. Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider tossing in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
17. Spice Variations: Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture for a warm, spicy note.
18. Different Flour Options: Try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend to make the cake healthier or cater to specific dietary needs.
19. Topping Ideas: Try sprinkling some powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
20. Enjoy: Lastly, relax and enjoy your delicious creation with family and friends.

Tips

• Texture: The semolina gives the cake a uniquely crumbly texture. Feel free to adjust the ratio with flour for a slightly softer cake.
• Substitutions: Use margarine or a dairy-free alternative to make this cake suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge; it tastes best when gently reheated.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free flour blend and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mixture for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Nut Additions: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream complements the apple flavors beautifully.
• Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Best Places

• Buvette - A charming spot perfect for indulging in desserts and pastry delights. Location: 42 Grove St, New York, USA.
• The Apple Tart - Known for its cozy environment and fantastic apple-based pastries. Location: 15 Rue des Petits Champs, Paris, France.
• Pie Room - Noted for its dedication to all things pastry, including unique apple creations. Location: 252 Charlotte St, London, UK.
• Cafe Majestic - Offers a historic setting paired with traditional and creative bakes. Location: Rua Santa Catarina 112, Porto, Portugal.
• Akkurat - Renowned for its delicious desserts and vibrant atmosphere. Location: Hornsgatan 18, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Café Sacher - Famous for its exquisite cakes and coffee variety. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Blackbird Bakery - Offers a selection of gluten-free and vegan pastries that delight. Location: 210 Lower Gorge Rd, Sydney, Australia.
• Bakery Müller - Traditional German bakery known for its fresh apple pastry. Location: Zwirnerstraße 17, Cologne, Germany.
• Little Bird - This spot offers a menu full of inventive creations, including apple delicacies. Location: 2194 E Burnside St, Portland, USA.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - A luxe patisserie with stylish offerings, perfect for treating yourself. Location: Via Monte Napoleone, 9, Milan, Italy.