Kuchen de Manzana: A Delightful Apple Cake Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Kuchen de Manzana, a traditional apple cake that beautifully combines buttery pastry with a sweet apple filling, making it an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields a delightful cake that is sure to impress family and friends alike, blending the tartness of green apples with aromatic spices.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 250 g |
| Unsalted butter | 170 g |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Milk (liquid) | 6 tablespoons |
| Green apples (ideally) | 4 |
| All-purpose flour (for apple filling) | 20 g |
| Brown sugar | 80 g |
| Vanilla extract | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 pinch |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Egg yolk (for brushing) | 1 |
| Heavy cream | 20 ml |
| Granulated sugar (for brushing) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt (for brushing) | 1 pinch |
| Aluminum foil | – |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the egg yolk and continue mixing. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, alternating with the milk, until a smooth dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Set aside.
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Prepare the Apples: While the dough chills, peel the green apples, remove their cores, and slice them into thin rounds. Place the apple slices in a bowl and drizzle with vanilla extract, tossing gently to coat.
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Mix the Filling: In another bowl, combine the 20 grams of flour, brown sugar, ground nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and add this mixture to the bowl with the apple slices, stirring until the apples are evenly coated.
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Assemble the Cake: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Set aside a small portion of dough for the lattice topping. Roll out the remaining dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper to fit a 22 cm (9-inch) tart pan. Press the rolled dough into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
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Add the Filling: Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Roll out the reserved dough into a rectangular shape and cut into thin strips. Lay the strips in a crisscross pattern over the top of the apples to create a lattice effect.
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Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using a pastry brush, gently glaze the lattice top of the Kuchen with the egg wash mixture.
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Bake the Kuchen: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the Kuchen for 15 minutes at this temperature. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cover the cake with aluminum foil. Continue baking for an additional 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Kuchen from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This cake is delightful served warm or at room temperature, and it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
This Kuchen de Manzana recipe not only brings a delicious taste of tradition but also offers an opportunity to showcase your baking skills. Enjoy the warm, inviting aromas that fill your kitchen as you create this delightful apple cake!
