Apple Cake (Sharlotka) Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- Eggs – 3 medium
- Salt – a pinch
- Vanilla – to taste
- Sugar – 200-300 g (adjust according to your sweetness preference)
- Butter – 220 g, melted and cooled
- Milk – 160 ml
- Flour – approximately 280 g
- Baking Powder – 2 tsp
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples – 600 g, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Sugar – 2 tbsp (to toss with the apples)
- Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp, and zest (or substitute with 2 tsp of ground cinnamon)
Instructions:
- Prep the Apples:
- Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, lemon zest (or cinnamon), and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Set aside.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, a pinch of salt, vanilla, and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the melted butter and milk.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together, then fold into the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter.
- Layer the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease your 20×30 cm baking dish.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Pour the cake batter over the apples, using a spatula to ensure an even spread.
- Bake the Sharlotka:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool slightly in the dish before cutting into it.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
This apple sharlotka is wonderfully moist, with the sweetness of the apples complemented by the light and fluffy cake. It’s perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or as a dessert after a family meal. Enjoy your baking!
