It's all the flavors of a little European café right in your home!
Autumn is almost here, so you know I've already got all these beautiful apple and pumpkin dishes on my mind. One of those is this here apple cake!
And you know, yhere's something really noticeable about authentic European recipes that you just can't get with American ones. Maybe it's the special ingredient I've seen in literally every one: vanilla sugar, which is a certain type of sugar enhanced with a very potent vanilla scent and flavor. Maybe it has to do with the fact that these treats have less sugar overall (though mine sure doesn't), or the fact that they're more loaded with fruits, nuts, and good lemon flavor. Maybe it's just because they tend to be a bit more humble, not loaded with frostings or decorations but simply being, little things covered in jams or fruits that make a perfect dessert or a delicious breakfast with a cup of coffee.
Whatever it is, there's no mistaking the taste of good German apple cake when you take a bite. My mom found this German baker's recipe, which she doctored, and which I doctored a little again. But no matter what you decide to do after you try it out—less sugar, more, less apple, more—if you follow this recipe, you'll still have a hit.
And, of course, you'll have the perfect tea-time treat or dessert for those moments with your friends, lover, or just yourself, as this cake is all about healing, friendship, purification, mental fortitude, and most importantly, love.
Magic in German Apple Cake
We're looking specifically at four things today: apples, apricots, lemon, and vanilla (whether it be in spirit from the vanilla sugar or in vanilla extract if you want to use that as a replacement). These items are all based in the energy of water, the element that, in both tarot and astrology, represents emotions, relationships, intuition, and healing. The planets that come along with this are Venus and the Moon, which are planets of love and beauty, emotion and subconscious will.
As a result, these ingredients are the perfect combination for a bit of love magic, given love is their ultimate through-line. Whether you're looking to heighten the love in your romantic life in a sweet and affectionate way, focusing more on the actual friendship and personal connection that makes relationships strong, or you're looking to unite and heal your friends that you know have been going through it, or you simply want to heal and love yourself, this cake can do it (and it's absolutely delicious on those lazy weekend mornings, with a book and a cup of coffee)!
German Apple Cake
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Makes 4-6 Servings
Ingredients:
4-5 Large | Sour Apples, half diced, half sliced |
200 grams | All Purpose Flour |
125 grams | Unsalted Butter, softened |
3 Large | Eggs |
200 grams | Sugar |
1 packet | Vanilla Sugar* |
2 tsp | Baking Powder |
2 tsp | Lemon Extract |
1 Pinch | Salt |
1 Splash | Milk |
200 grams | Apricot Jam |
*If you can't find actual packets of vanilla sugar at your local European goods stores, replace with another 10g sugar and 2 tsp vanilla extract!
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius)
Prepare your springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and butter greased on the sides.
Cream your butter and sugar together, then incorporate one egg at a time.
Add your extract, salt, and milk, and mix again.
Add baking powder and flour and beat together until a smooth batter forms.
Peel and finely dice two apples, then fold into the batter.
Peel and slice your next 2 apples and cut into thin pieces, then layer around the cake. If necessary, use the third apple to finish.
Bake for one hour, until a toothpick comes out clean.
When almost done baking, heat your apricot jam until it's more free-flowing.
Brush the jam over the hot cake when it's out of the oven.
You can either serve this just as is or with vanilla ice cream on the side. No matter what you do, though, you're guaranteed something delicious. My boyfriend and I didn't even let this cake last 24 hours before it was gone! Enjoy ♪
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