π° Apple and Sultana Cake ππ
Apple and Sultana Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the chewy texture and sweet flavor of sultanas (golden raisins). This cake is a classic treat that’s perfect for afternoon tea, as a dessert, or even as a snack. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated time to prepare it.
π History:
The exact origins of Apple and Sultana Cake are a bit unclear, but similar fruit-based cakes have been enjoyed for centuries. Cakes featuring apples and dried fruits like sultanas have been popular in various forms in European and British baking traditions. This particular cake likely evolved over time as people experimented with different ingredients to create a delicious, moist, and fruity dessert.
π§ Components:
To make a classic Apple and Sultana Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2-3 apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 cup sultanas (golden raisins)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
- Optional: Chopped nuts for added crunch
π©βπ³ Preparation Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk (or milk), starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, sultanas, and chopped nuts if you’re using them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
β° Time Needed:
The total time to prepare and bake an Apple and Sultana Cake is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes preparation and baking time. Keep in mind that cooling the cake might take an additional hour or so.
Enjoy your homemade Apple and Sultana Cake! It’s a wonderful treat that combines the sweetness of apples and sultanas with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for any occasion! π°πππ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical serving of Apple and Sultana Cake:
π Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Total Fat: 10-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-6 grams
- Cholesterol: 50-60 milligrams
- Sodium: 250-300 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 30-35 grams
- Protein: 4-5 grams
- Vitamin C: 4-6% of the daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 4-6% of the daily recommended intake
- Iron: 6-8% of the daily recommended intake
π Health Information:
- Moderate Calories: Apple and Sultana Cake is moderately calorie-dense, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Fat Content: The cake contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from butter. Consider using healthier fats or reducing the butter for a lighter version.
- Sugar: It contains a significant amount of sugar due to the added granulated sugar and natural sugars from apples and sultanas. Be mindful of your sugar intake.
- Fiber: While the cake contains some fiber from the apples and raisins, it’s not a significant source. Consider adding more fiber-rich ingredients if you want to boost the fiber content.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The cake provides a small amount of vitamin C, calcium, and iron, thanks to the apples and sultanas. However, it’s not a substantial source of these nutrients.
As with most desserts, Apple and Sultana Cake should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple due to its moderate calorie and sugar content. It’s always a good idea to balance indulgent foods with a variety of nutrient-rich options for a well-rounded diet.
