Description
Comfort meets elegance in this Dutch apple cake, a delightful dessert that celebrates traditional Netherlands baking. Sweet apple chunks nestled in a tender crumb invite you to savor each warm, spiced bite of culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit:
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into eighths
Dry Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:
- 0.5 cup shortening
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup milk
Topping:
- 0.25 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 175C (350F) with a rack positioned in the center.
- Thoroughly coat a 7-11 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Using an electric mixer, blend shortening and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla, mixing until completely uniform and smooth.
- In a separate container, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, whisking to eliminate any potential lumps.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, alternating with milk – beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Gently fold the batter, taking care not to overmix and preserve its delicate texture.
- Transfer batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly.
- Artfully arrange apple slices across the surface, gently pressing them into the batter.
- Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon, then generously dust over the apple-topped cake.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, checking doneness with a clean skewer.
- Remove from oven and allow cake to rest for several minutes before serving, enabling it to set properly.
Notes
- Swap shortening with coconut oil or butter for a richer flavor profile and alternative dietary needs.
- Create gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, ensuring same cake texture.
- Enhance apple selection by using tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp varieties for balanced taste complexity.
- Prevent apple browning by tossing sliced fruit in lemon juice before arranging on cake batter, maintaining fresh appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dutch
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 301 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 151 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg