Delicious Syrian Apple Cake with Nutty Frosting
Experience a taste of Syrian heritage with this delightful Apple Cake, crafted to perfection. Bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh cooking apples and enriched with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is a beloved dessert that is perfect for gatherings or family gatherings. The addition of chopped pecans or walnuts gives it a satisfying crunch, while the honeyed frosting adds a luscious finish, making every bite a heavenly delight. Ideal for sharing, this cake brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooking apples
4 1/2 cups (peeled and chopped)
sugar
2 cups (none)
Crisco cooking oil
1 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
3 cups (none)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (none)
clove
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pecans or walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
powdered sugar
2 cups (none)
honey
2 teaspoons (none)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
milk
1/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and chopped cooking apples, sugar, and cooking oil. Let the mixture stand for one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to release their juices.
2
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This helps to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
3
After the apple mixture has rested, gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Then, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts to add a satisfying crunch.
4
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
5
Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6
For the frosting, combine the powdered sugar, honey, melted butter, and milk in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the frosting over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Syrian Apple Cake?
Syrian Apple Cake is a traditional spiced dessert made with fresh cooking apples, warm spices, and a honey-nut frosting.
What type of apples should I use for this cake?
The recipe recommends using fresh cooking apples, which provide a natural sweetness and hold up well during baking.
How many apples are required for the recipe?
You will need 4 1/2 cups of peeled and chopped cooking apples.
Should the apples be peeled?
Yes, the apples should be both peeled and chopped before being added to the mixture.
Why do the apples need to sit with sugar and oil for an hour?
Allowing the mixture to stand for one hour lets the flavors meld and enables the apples to release their natural juices.
What spices are used in this Syrian Apple Cake?
This recipe features a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm, aromatic flavor.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
Why is sifting the dry ingredients important?
Sifting helps aerate the flour and ensures that the baking soda, salt, and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
What leavening agent is used in this cake?
The cake uses 2 teaspoons of baking soda to help it rise.
Can I add nuts to the Syrian Apple Cake?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch.
What kind of oil should I use for the batter?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of Crisco cooking oil.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What type of pan should be used for baking?
A Bundt pan is recommended for this specific apple cake recipe.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
You should grease and flour the Bundt pan thoroughly before pouring in the batter.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically bakes for about 1 hour.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack.
What are the ingredients for the honeyed frosting?
The frosting is made from powdered sugar, honey, melted butter, and milk.
How much honey is included in the frosting?
The frosting requires 2 teaspoons of honey.
What is the ratio of powdered sugar to milk in the frosting?
The recipe uses 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/3 cup of milk.
How do I prepare the frosting?
Combine the frosting ingredients in a bowl and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
When should I apply the frosting to the cake?
The frosting should be poured over the cake only after the cake has completely cooled.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, the recipe allows for either chopped pecans or walnuts based on your preference.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is there butter in the cake batter?
No, the cake batter uses cooking oil; butter is only used in the frosting.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How much nutmeg is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of nutmeg.
What makes this cake suitable for gatherings?
Its large size, warm spices, and beautiful Bundt shape make it an ideal dessert for sharing with family and friends.
What is the texture of the frosting?
The frosting is smooth, creamy, and designed to cascade down the sides of the cake.
Is this recipe considered a fall dessert?
Yes, with its use of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it is often categorized as a perfect fall dessert.