🍰🍏 Apple Cream Cake 🍏🍰
Apple Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and slightly tart flavor of apples with a creamy, rich cake base. This dessert is a perfect treat for apple lovers and is often enjoyed during the fall season when apples are in abundance. Let’s dive into the history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to create this mouthwatering dessert.
📜 History:
The exact origin of Apple Cream Cake is unclear, but it likely has roots in traditional apple-based desserts from various cuisines. Apple desserts have been enjoyed for centuries, with apples being a popular fruit in many parts of the world. Over time, bakers and cooks have experimented with incorporating apples into cakes, resulting in the creation of this delicious dessert.
🥮 Components:
The key components of Apple Cream Cake include:
- Apples: The star ingredient, typically peeled, cored, and thinly sliced or diced.
- Cake Batter: A creamy, moist cake batter that serves as the base.
- Cream Cheese Layer: A layer of sweetened cream cheese that adds richness and flavor.
- Cinnamon and Sugar: These are often sprinkled on top for a warm, cozy flavor.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium-sized apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Steps:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with additions of sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
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Spread two-thirds of the cake batter into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
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In a separate bowl, prepare the cream cheese layer by beating together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
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Arrange the apple slices on top of the cream cheese layer.
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Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the apple slices for added flavor.
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Dollop the remaining cake batter on top in small spoonfuls, leaving some areas exposed.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the Apple Cream Cake to cool for a while before serving.
⏰ Time Needed:
Preparation time can vary, but it typically takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 45-50 minutes for baking. So, in total, you should allow approximately 1 hour and 15-20 minutes to create this delicious Apple Cream Cake.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Cream Cake! 🍏🍰🎉
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Cream Cake:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Total Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12-15 grams
- Cholesterol: 75-85 mg
- Sodium: 250-300 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 25-30 grams
- Protein: 4-5 grams
Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Health Information:
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Moderation is Key: Apple Cream Cake is a delightful treat, but it’s important to consume it in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.
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Apples Provide Fiber: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help you feel fuller for longer.
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Cream Cheese: The cream cheese layer adds richness but also contributes to the cake’s fat and calorie content. Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese if you want to reduce the fat content.
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Portion Control: Keep your portion sizes reasonable to avoid excessive calorie intake.
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Balanced Diet: Enjoy Apple Cream Cake as an occasional indulgence within the context of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Customize Ingredients: You can make this dessert slightly healthier by using whole wheat flour, reducing sugar, or using alternative sweeteners.
Remember that the health impact of any dessert depends on the overall composition of your diet and your individual dietary needs and preferences.
