Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (about 4 cups, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Prepare Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with 1 cup of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (if using). Set aside to let the apples release their juices.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
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Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the Cake:
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Layer Apples: Spread half of the prepared apple mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased cake pan.
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Add Batter: Pour the cake batter over the apples, smoothing it out with a spatula.
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Top with Apples: Arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter, pressing them gently into the batter.
4. Bake the Cake:
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Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
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Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve:
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Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar if desired.
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Slice and Enjoy: Serve the Charlotka cake as a delicious dessert or snack. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
This apple cake is known for its simplicity and wonderful apple flavor. Enjoy!
