Delightfully Light Apple Cream Cake
This Delightfully Light Apple Cream Cake is a refined twist on a classic Cooking Light recipe from 1997, reimagined to reduce sweetness while enhancing flavor. The original version called for an overwhelming 1 3/4 cups of sugar, but this adaptation strikes a perfect balance with just 1 cup. With the use of low-fat cream cheese and crisp, thinly sliced apples, this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a lighter option for dessert lovers. Using a mandolin to finely slice the apples ensures a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Enjoy it warm or cooled, and savor each guilt-free slice!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 cup (divided)
Butter
1/2 cup (room temperature)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Low-fat Cream Cheese
8 ounces (room temperature)
Large Eggs
2 (none)
All-purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups (none)
Baking Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
Peeled Apples
3 cups (chopped and thinly sliced)
Cooking Spray
as needed (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup of sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and room-temperature cream cheese. Using a mixer, beat at medium speed for about 4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Beat well after each addition.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. For best results, you can sift these ingredients to ensure an even blend.
5
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients, beating at low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
7
Peel and thinly slice the apples using a mandolin or knife. Place the sliced apples in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of the sugar-cinnamon mixture. Toss gently until the apples are completely coated.
8
Fold the apple mixture into the cake batter. The batter will be thick and chunky.
9
Pour the batter into the greased springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using a 9-inch pan, reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes.
11
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing the sides. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Delightfully Light Apple Cream Cake.
What is the inspiration for this dessert?
It is a refined twist on a classic Cooking Light recipe from 1997, modified to reduce sweetness.
How much sugar was used in the original version?
The original 1997 version called for 1 3/4 cups of sugar.
How much sugar is used in this lighter version?
This adaptation uses only 1 cup of sugar for a better balance.
What type of cream cheese is recommended?
Low-fat cream cheese is recommended for this lighter cake.
Why should I use a mandolin for the apples?
Using a mandolin to finely slice the apples ensures a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size pan is best for this cake?
An 8-inch springform pan is recommended, though a 9-inch pan can also be used.
How long should you beat the butter and sugar mixture?
Beat the sugar, butter, vanilla, and cream cheese at medium speed for about 4 minutes.
How should the eggs be incorporated into the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
What dry ingredients are used in this recipe?
The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Is it necessary to sift the dry ingredients?
While not strictly required, sifting ensures an even blend for best results.
What speed should the mixer be on when adding flour?
Add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients at low speed.
How do you prepare the cinnamon-sugar mixture?
Mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How should the apples be prepared before adding to the batter?
Peel and thinly slice the apples, then toss them with 3 tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
How are the apples added to the cake?
The coated apple mixture should be folded into the thick cake batter.
What is the texture of the batter before baking?
The batter will be quite thick and chunky once the apples are added.
What goes on top of the cake before it enters the oven?
Sprinkle the remaining sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over the top.
How long does the cake bake in an 8-inch pan?
It bakes for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How do you adjust the baking time for a 9-inch pan?
Reduce the baking time by about 5 minutes if using a 9-inch pan.
How can you tell if the cake is finished?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Should the cake be removed from the pan immediately?
No, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing the sides.
Can the cake be served warm?
Yes, it can be served warm or at room temperature.
Is this recipe considered a low-sugar option?
Yes, it is tagged as low sugar and is a lighter alternative to traditional cakes.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 11 ingredients.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, apple cake, light dessert, low sugar, and cream cheese.
Is this an easy recipe to bake?
Yes, it is tagged for easy baking.
Should the butter and cream cheese be room temperature?
Yes, both the butter and the cream cheese should be at room temperature for proper blending.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is the total volume of apples needed?
You will need 3 cups of peeled, chopped, and thinly sliced apples.