Apple Cake with Mascarpone

Ingredients

• 3–4 apples (preferably Renetta or Golden Delicious)

• 250 g flour

• 150 g sugar

• 3 eggs

• 100 g melted butter

• 1 packet of baking powder (16 g)

• A pinch of salt

• Optional flavorings: cinnamon, vanilla, lemon zest

Method

1. Prepare the apples:
   Peel the apples, remove the cores, and slice thinly. You can drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

2. Make the batter:
   In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter and mix well.

3. Add dry ingredients:
   Sift the flour with the baking powder and salt, then gradually incorporate into the egg mixture. Mix until smooth.

4. Add flavorings:
   Stir in cinnamon, vanilla, or lemon zest to taste.

5. Fold in apples:
   Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter to avoid breaking them.

6. Prepare the pan:
   Grease and flour a 24 cm (9–10 inch) round baking pan. Pour in the batter and smooth the top.

7. Bake:
   Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and serve:
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Apple Cake Variations

1. Apple & Walnut Cake
   Add chopped walnuts into the batter or sprinkle on top for crunch and rich flavor.

2. Apple & Raisin Cake
   Rehydrated raisins add moisture and sweetness. Mix into the batter or layer with apples.

3. Apple & Cinnamon Cake
   Add ground cinnamon to the batter or sprinkle on top with sugar for a spicy aroma.

4. Apple & Yogurt Cake
   Replace some butter with plain yogurt for a lighter, moist cake without sacrificing flavor.

5. Vegan Apple Cake
   Replace eggs with mashed banana or plant-based yogurt and use coconut oil or vegan margarine instead of butter.

Tips for a Perfect Apple Cake