Excellent Apple Cake with Sour Cream: Delicious and Easy!

Ingredients

Cake Base:

• 2 eggs
• 175 g (1 1/4 cups) semi-coarse flour
• 150 g (3/4 cup) of sugar
• 1 package of vanilla sugar (approximately 10 g or 2 teaspoons)
• 65 ml (1/4 cup) of oil
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) of sparkling water
• 1/2 package of baking powder (approximately 5 g or 1 teaspoon)

Filling:

• 5 apples (approximately 800 g or 1.8 pounds)
• 2 packages of vanilla pudding powder
• 500 ml (2 cups) of apple juice
• 100 g (1/2 cup) of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 100 g (1 cup) of grated almonds
• 1 piece of butter (approximately 15 g or 1 tablespoon)

Topping:

• 400 g (1 3/4 cups) of sour cream
• 400 ml (1 3/4 cups) of whipped cream
• 5 tablespoons (65 g) of sugar
• 1 package of vanilla sugar (approximately 10 g or 2 teaspoons)
• 4 tablespoons of gelatin

Method of Preparation

Preparing the Cake Base

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (347°F). Grease and flour a mold with a diameter of 26 cm (10 inches) to ensure that the cake does not stick.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes foamy and light. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps the cake rise.
3. Add Oil and Sparkling Water: Gradually add the oil and sparkling water to the egg mixture, mixing continuously to combine. The sparkling water adds a lightness to the cake, making it fluffy and moist.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Slowly fold this mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until you achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared mold and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the mold before proceeding.

Preparing the Apple Filling

1. Cook the Apples: Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small pieces. Place them in a large saucepan along with the butter, sugar, cinnamon, and grated almonds. Add the apple juice and cook over medium heat until the apples soften, about 10 minutes.
2. Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the vanilla pudding powder with a small amount of apple juice to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the saucepan with the cooked apples. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Cool and Set: Spread the apple filling evenly over the cooled cake base. Place the cake in the refrigerator to allow the filling to set and harden, which should take at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Topping

1. Mix Sour Cream and Sugar: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture, ensuring that it remains light and airy.
3. Prepare Gelatin: In a small saucepan, dissolve the gelatin according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the cream mixture, stirring gently to combine.
4. Spread the Topping: Spread the cream mixture over the set apple filling, smoothing it out with a spatula. Return the cake to the refrigerator and let it chill for several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the topping to firm up.

Serving Suggestions

Before serving, you can sprinkle the cake with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness and spice. This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Tips for the Best Apple Cake

• Use Fresh Apples: The quality of the apples significantly impacts the flavor of the cake. Choose firm, fresh apples for the best results.
• Chill Properly: Ensure that each layer has enough time to set and chill in the refrigerator to achieve the perfect texture.
• Whip Cream Properly: Make sure to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks to ensure a light and fluffy topping.