Apple Cake with Cocoa and Lemon Zest

Apple Cake with Cocoa and Lemon Zest

Ingredients

• • 3 apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for caramelizing apples)

• • 25g (1.8 tbsp) butter (for caramelizing apples)
  • 3 eggs
  • A pinch of salt

• • 180g (1 cup) sugar
  • 10g (2 teaspoons) vanilla sugar
  • 70g (5 tablespoons) butter, melted

• • 110g (5 tablespoons) yogurt
  • 200ml (1 glass) milk
  • 300g (2 cups) flour

• • 10g (2 teaspoons) baking powder
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • Zest of 1 lemon

• Powdered sugar, for decoration

Directions

1. 1. Prepare the Apples:
      • In a pan, melt 25g of butter and add 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cook the apple slices over medium heat until they soften and caramelize. Set aside to cool.

1. 1. Make the Batter:
      • • Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Grease and flour a baking pan.
        • In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until frothy.
        • Gradually add 180g of sugar and 10g of vanilla sugar, beating until the mixture is pale and thick.
      • Add the melted butter, yogurt, and milk, and mix until combined.
      • Sift together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

1. Assemble the Cake:
   • • Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan.
     • Arrange the caramelized apple slices over the batter.
     • Pour the remaining batter over the apples, smoothing the top.
   • Sprinkle with lemon zest.
2. Bake:
   • • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Decorate:
   • • Once the cake is cool, dust with powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Enjoy as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat.

Cooking Tips

• • For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar for caramelizing the apples.

• • To enhance the lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter.
  • Make sure to sift the cocoa powder to prevent lumps in the batter.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.

Nutritional Benefits

• • Apples are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and digestion.
  • Yogurt adds protein and probiotics, beneficial for gut health.
  • Cocoa provides antioxidants that may support heart health and improve mood.

Dietary Information

• Vegetarian
• Can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour with gluten-free flour.
• Contains dairy and eggs, not suitable for vegan diets without modifications.