Grandma's Sunken Apple Delight
This delightful cake, inspired by my beloved grandmother's recipe, is a cherished family favorite. Known as the Sunken Apple Cake, this dessert features tender apples that sit above the batter, creating an inviting and tantalizing appearance as they seem to sink into the airy cake during baking. With a buttery, almond-infused base and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen, this cake is perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home with a warm cup of tea. Paired with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, it promises a comforting and indulgent experience. Bring a touch of nostalgia to your table with every slice of this delicious apple cake.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
soft butter or margarine
2/3 cup (softened, plus extra for greasing the pan)
sugar
2/3 cup
vanilla sugar
2 teaspoons
salt
1 pinch
almond extract
2-3 drops (optional)
eggs
2 (large)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
ground almonds
1/2 cup (optional)
apples
8 medium (peeled, cored, and halved)
lemon
1 (juice, optional for brushing apples)
currants
1/3 cup (optional) (soaked in hot water)
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (optional)
icing sugar
1 teaspoon (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it with butter or margarine to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the soft butter or margarine using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt while continuing to beat the mixture. Add in the almond extract if desired, followed by the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is light and airy.
3
Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl, then fold in the ground almonds (if using) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4
Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5
Peel the apples and cut them in half lengthwise to remove the cores. For added visual appeal, make several shallow cuts on the outer skin of each apple half, without cutting all the way through. Optionally, brush the apples with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
6
Carefully arrange the apple halves, core side down, on top of the batter, placing them close together. If using currants, soak them in hot water for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry. Scatter the currants and slivered almonds evenly over the apples.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 75-80 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a while before transferring it to a wire rack.
8
Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with icing sugar before slicing. Serve with whipped cream for a delightful finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Sunken Apple Delight?
It is a cherished family favorite cake featuring tender apples that sit above the batter and sink in during baking.
What is the primary name for this type of cake?
This dessert is commonly known as Sunken Apple Cake.
How long does it take to bake this cake?
The cake should be baked in a preheated oven for 75 to 80 minutes.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of pan is recommended?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Prepare the springform pan by greasing it with butter or margarine to prevent the batter from sticking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either soft butter or margarine.
How many apples are needed for this recipe?
You will need 8 medium apples for this cake.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled, cut in half lengthwise, and cored.
What is the purpose of making shallow cuts on the apples?
Making several shallow cuts on the outer skin of each apple half adds visual appeal to the finished cake.
How can I prevent the apples from browning while preparing them?
You can optionally brush the peeled and cut apples with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
How should the apples be arranged on the batter?
Place the apple halves core side down on top of the batter, arranging them close together.
What are the optional toppings for this cake?
Optional ingredients include currants, slivered almonds, and ground almonds.
How do I prepare the currants if I choose to use them?
Soak the currants in hot water for a few minutes, then drain and pat them dry before scattering them over the apples.
What is the first step in making the batter?
Cream together the soft butter or margarine until it is smooth and fluffy.
How should the sugar be added?
Gradually incorporate the sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt while continuing to beat the butter mixture.
How should I add the eggs to the mixture?
Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is light and airy.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl before mixing.
What is the key to mixing in the flour?
Fold in the flour and ground almonds until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
How do I check if the cake is done?
The cake is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Should I cool the cake in the pan?
Yes, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a while before transferring it to a wire rack.
How should the cake be finished before serving?
Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with icing sugar.
What is the best way to serve this apple cake?
It is best served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a warm cup of tea.
Is there almond extract in the recipe?
Yes, adding 2 to 3 drops of almond extract is recommended for an almond-infused base.
What category of dessert is this?
This is a traditional German-style apple cake and family favorite dessert.
How much flour is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much sugar is used in the batter?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla sugar.
What gives the cake its airy texture?
Beating the butter and eggs thoroughly and carefully folding in the sifted flour creates a light and airy cake.
Is this a good recipe for fall?
Yes, it is tagged as a fall treat and comfort food, making it perfect for the autumn season.
What does the name Sunken Apple Delight refer to?
It refers to the visual effect of the apples sinking into the batter as the cake bakes.