Apple and Mascarpone Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 12
This Apple and Mascarpone Cake is a delightful, moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With the sweetness of Golden Apples and the rich creaminess of mascarpone, this cake strikes a perfect balance between fruity freshness and indulgence. A delicate vanilla aroma and the soft texture of the cake make every bite melt in your mouth. Whether served for a family gathering, a celebration, or simply as an afternoon treat, it’s guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this delicious cake!
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Golden Apples (peeled and cored) | 400g |
| Mascarpone Cheese | 200g |
| All-purpose Flour (00 type) | 250g |
| Granulated Sugar | 150g |
| Eggs | 120g |
| Baking Powder | 16g |
| Vanilla Pod (for seeds) | 1 |
| Fine Salt | A pinch |
| Butter (for greasing and some in batter) | To taste |
| All-purpose Flour (for dusting pan) | To taste |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling and coring the Golden Apples. Cut them into small cubes and set aside. These pieces will add texture and freshness to your cake. |
| 2 | Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and add the sugar. Use a hand whisk or electric beaters to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which will help create a smooth, airy batter. Add a pinch of fine salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors. |
| 3 | Incorporate Mascarpone: To the egg-sugar mixture, add the mascarpone cheese. The creamy mascarpone will provide the cake with a rich texture and slightly tangy flavor. Mix until smooth. |
| 4 | Add Vanilla: Scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod and add them to the batter. The vanilla will infuse a warm, aromatic flavor into the cake. Mix well to distribute the seeds evenly throughout the batter. |
| 5 | Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Add the flour in stages to avoid lumps and ensure the batter stays smooth and airy. Mix everything together, preferably with a spatula or wooden spoon, folding the flour in gently. |
| 6 | Incorporate the Apples: Gently fold the cubed apples into the batter. These pieces of apple will soften during baking and create a beautiful texture in the finished cake. |
| 7 | Prepare the Baking Pan: Butter and flour a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan. The butter helps the flour adhere to the pan, preventing the cake from sticking. Once prepared, pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. |
| 8 | Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the top and bottom heat on. Place the cake pan in the center of the oven and bake for 50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be sure to check towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking. |
| 9 | Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. |
| 10 | Serve & Garnish: Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar if desired. The delicate sweetness of the sugar complements the rich, creamy mascarpone and the juicy apple pieces, making every slice a perfect balance of flavors. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly satisfying dessert experience! |
Tips & Variations
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Apple Varieties: While Golden Apples are excellent for this recipe due to their sweet-tart balance, you can experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Gala for different flavors. Just make sure the apples you choose hold up well during baking.
-
Mascarpone Substitute: If you can’t find mascarpone, you can use cream cheese for a similar creamy texture, although the flavor will be slightly tangier. Alternatively, ricotta cheese works, but the texture might be a little more grainy.
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Add-ins: You can customize the flavor profile by adding a handful of raisins or chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. These will add extra texture and flavor to the cake.
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For a Lighter Cake: To make the cake slightly lighter, you can reduce the amount of butter used for greasing the pan and dusting it with flour. You can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a more rustic version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
This Apple and Mascarpone Cake is a wonderful combination of indulgence and lightness. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, it will surely become a beloved dessert in your repertoire. Enjoy this delicious treat and share it with those who appreciate the finer things in life!
