Apple Cake

This family Apple Cake was one I like to make for my father.  Moist with a hint of caramelized flavor.  I used an older tube pan, about 8-inch diameter on the bottom that flared slightly to 9 1/2 inches.

Serves 8 to 10

Prepare the pan:  

Butter the inside of the pan and the tube

1  cup sugar

2/3 cup water

1. Combine sugar and water in a small wide saucepan, stirring to blend well.  Set over medium-high heat and simmer until it forms a syrup and turns a light to medium amber color.

2. Pour into the buttered cake pan, turning to coat the bottom and sides.  Set aside to cool completely.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the Cake:

 

 2-3 small apples, like Cortland, peeled, cored, sliced 1/4-inch thin

4 large eggs, separated, room temperature

1 cup sugar,  225 g

8 tablespoons (1 stick) 113 g, butter, room temperature

1 3/4  cups ap flour (about 200 g)

Grated peel In a of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon table salt

3/4 cup whole milk

1/3 cup toasted almond slivers (optional)

 

1. In a bowl,  cream the butter with the sugar until pale yellow and fluffy.

2. Incorporate the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after  each addition.

3. Beat the egg whites, in a separate bowl, to soft peaks and set aside.

4. In another bowl, combine the flour, grated lemon peel, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Fold the flour mix into the egg and sugar, alternating with the milk and ending with the flour.  Gently fold in the beaten egg whites, turning the bowl and you fold.  Set aside.

5. Line the apple slices in a decorative pattern in the pan on top of the cooled caramelized syrup.

6, Gently, without deflating, pour the cake batter over the apple slices, and lightly smooth to evenly cover the apples.

7. Bake 45-50 minutes.  Insert a long wooden skewer to test for doneness.  The skewer might have some crumb stuck to it but it should not be gooey.

8. Remove the pan from the oven and cool slightly, about 2 minutes.  Run a spatula around the edges to loosen. Invert immediately onto a serving dish.  Should a piece of apple stick to the pan, simply remove and place it in its proper place on the cake. Sprinkle the top with toasted almonds slivers as a garnish.