Croatian Apple Delight Cake
This Croatian Apple Delight Cake is a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, combining tender layers of flaky crust and a luscious filling of spiced apples. Perfectly suited for the gentle fall season, this dessert boasts the warm flavors of cinnamon and lemon, complemented by the subtle sweetness of jams. Whether served warm or at room temperature, each slice offers a comforting taste of Croatian culinary tradition, making it an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
250 g (For the dough)
butter
150 g (Cut into smaller pieces, for the dough)
egg yolk
1 (For the dough)
milk
1 splash (For the dough)
sugar
30 g (For the dough)
cranberry jam or rose-hip jam
3 tablespoons (Optional, for adding flavor)
apples
750 g (Peeled and thinly sliced using a grater)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (To taste, for sprinkled over apples)
lemon zest
1 (Grated, for added flavor)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (For sprinkled over apples)
rum
2 tablespoons (For flavoring the apples)
egg yolks
3 (Separated from whites for the topping)
sugar
30 g (For the topping)
bread flour
60 g (For the topping)
egg whites
3 (Beaten until stiff for the topping)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 g of all-purpose flour, 150 g of cold butter cut into small pieces, 1 egg yolk, a splash of milk, and 30 g of sugar. Knead the mixture until it forms a firm dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
2
While the dough chills, prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, beat 3 egg yolks with 30 g of sugar until the mixture becomes light and foamy. In another bowl, whip the 3 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites and 60 g of bread flour alternately into the egg yolk mixture, ensuring not to deflate the whites.
3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled short-crust dough into a rectangle that fits the lining of your parchment paper-lined baking pan. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, ensuring it fits snugly into the edges.
4
Peel and thinly slice 750 g of apples using a grater for uniformity. Evenly distribute the grated apples over the prepared dough in the baking pan. Sprinkle the apple layer with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, the zest of 1 grated lemon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of rum for an added depth of flavor.
5
Gently spread the prepared topping dough over the apple mixture, covering it evenly. Place the cake in a preheated oven set to 200°C (390°F) and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Cut into equal-sized squares and dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Croatian Apple Delight Cake?
It is a traditional Croatian dessert that combines layers of flaky short-crust dough with a spiced, grated apple filling and a light topping.
What ingredients are needed for the dough?
The dough consists of 250 g of all-purpose flour, 150 g of cold butter, 1 egg yolk, a splash of milk, and 30 g of sugar.
How long should the dough be chilled?
After kneading, the dough should be wrapped in plastic and chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
How many apples are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 750 g of apples.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled and then thinly sliced using a grater to ensure they are uniform.
What spices are used in the apple filling?
The apple layer is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and the grated zest of one lemon.
Is there any alcohol in this cake?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of rum are drizzled over the apple layer to add depth of flavor.
What type of sugar is used for the apple layer?
The grated apples are sprinkled with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
How is the topping made?
The topping is made by beating 3 egg yolks with sugar and then folding in 3 stiffly beaten egg whites and 60 g of bread flour.
What is the baking temperature for this cake?
The cake should be baked in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F).
How long does the Croatian Apple Delight Cake take to bake?
It typically takes approximately 45 minutes to bake until the top is golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Can I add jam to this recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of cranberry or rose-hip jam can be added for extra flavor.
What type of flour is used for the topping?
Bread flour (60 g) is used for the cake's topping layer.
How many eggs are used in the entire recipe?
A total of 4 eggs are used: 1 yolk for the dough and 3 eggs (separated) for the topping.
Should the butter be cold or at room temperature?
The butter should be cold and cut into small pieces before being added to the flour for the dough.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
The baking pan should be lined with parchment paper before pressing the dough into it.
What is the best way to serve this cake?
The cake should be cut into equal-sized squares and can be dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Can I serve this cake warm?
Yes, it can be served either warm or at room temperature.
How long should the cake cool after baking?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting.
How do I prevent the egg whites from deflating?
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites and flour into the yolk mixture rather than stirring vigorously.
What flavor does the lemon zest provide?
The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the warm cinnamon and sweet apples.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting treat ideal for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
What shape should the dough be rolled into?
The dough should be rolled into a rectangle that fits the dimensions of your baking pan.
Is the crust a short-crust or a sponge?
The base is a firm short-crust dough, while the topping is a lighter, sponge-like mixture.
What tools do I need for the topping?
You will need two bowls for separating eggs and a whisk or mixer to whip the whites to stiff peaks.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the dough?
The recipe specifies 30 g of white sugar for the dough, which helps maintain the short-crust texture.
What makes this a 'fall' dessert?
The combination of fresh apples, cinnamon, and warm baking spices makes it perfect for the autumn season.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to combine flour, cold butter, egg yolk, milk, and sugar to form the dough.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is based on traditional Croatian culinary traditions.