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European Apple Cake: A Delectable Fall Dessert with a Sophisticated Twist

European Apple Cake is a dessert that effortlessly marries tradition with elegance. With its light and airy sponge layers, a creamy whipped frosting, and the comforting sweetness of candied apple filling, this cake is the epitome of indulgence. Its sophisticated presentation and rich flavors make it an ideal centerpiece for gatherings, celebrations, or a quiet treat for yourself. Beyond its deliciousness, this cake offers an experience—a journey of textures, aromas, and tastes that evoke the warmth of fall. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or treating yourself, the European Apple Cake is bound to impress.

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European Apple Cake: A Delectable Fall Dessert with a Sophisticated Twist

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Craving a dessert that screams autumn sophistication? 🍎✨ Say hello to European Apple Cake! With its moist, buttery crumb and luscious apple filling, this cake is a true fall favorite. 🍂💛 Simple yet elegant, it’s the perfect balance of cozy and classy. Pair it with a dollop of cream or vanilla ice cream for a heavenly treat. 🍨🍴 Ready to impress? This dessert is your golden ticket to seasonal perfection! 🌟

#AppleCakeDelight #FallInLoveWithBaking #AutumnEats #SeasonalBaking #AppleMagic #EuropeanDesserts #DessertGoals #BakeWithLove #SweetTreats #CozyUpWithCake 🍂🍎

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 6 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup fine almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Candied Apple Filling:

  • 3 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
  • 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

For the European Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream (well chilled)

Extras and Garnish:

  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (for soaking the cake layers)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate melts (optional, for drizzling or decoration)

Instructions

  • Preparing the Sponge Cake
  • Begin by preparing the sponge cake layers, which form the foundation of this dessert. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, ensuring the sides remain ungreased. This allows the batter to climb and achieve a beautifully risen cake. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk on high speed for 7 to 10 minutes until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and nearly tripled in volume. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light sponge.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and baking powder. Sifting ensures that there are no lumps and the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in thirds. Use a spatula to fold gently, starting from the bottom of the bowl and working your way up. This gentle technique preserves the airiness of the batter.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use a kitchen scale for precision to ensure the layers bake uniformly. Place the pans on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 22 to 24 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and immediately run a knife along the edges to release the cakes. Carefully invert them onto a wire rack, peel off the parchment paper, and let them cool completely before assembling.
  • Making the Candied Apple Filling
  • The candied apple filling is the heart of this cake, providing a burst of sweetness and a touch of tartness that complements the sponge layers. Peel and finely dice the apples into small cubes. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples are ideal as they retain their structure during cooking and offer a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. Place the diced apples in a saucepan or deep sautĂ© pan, then add the sugar and water. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
  • Set the pan over medium heat and cover it with a lid. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes. The steam trapped by the lid helps soften the apples. Remove the lid and continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender, translucent, and syrupy. This process takes an additional 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the apple variety. If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the apples are tender, add a splash of water and continue cooking.
  • Once the apples are perfectly candied, remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time during assembly.
  • Preparing the European Whipped Cream Frosting
  • This frosting is a perfect blend of tangy cream cheese and airy whipped cream, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Begin by placing the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy, free of lumps. Add the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and optional powdered sugar to the bowl. Beat the mixture until it is thick and well combined.
  • In a separate chilled bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream and whisk it until stiff peaks form. Start at a slow speed and gradually increase it as the cream thickens. Stiff peaks are achieved when the cream holds its shape firmly and doesn’t fall off the whisk. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream, using a spatula or the mixer on low speed. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before using.
  • Assembling the Cake
  • Once all components are prepared and cooled, it’s time to assemble the cake. Begin by using a serrated knife to split each sponge layer in half, creating a total of four layers. Place the bottom half of one sponge layer onto a cake stand or serving plate. Lightly brush the layer with heavy cream using a pastry brush. This step ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
  • Spread a generous layer of whipped cream frosting over the cake, followed by a portion of the candied apple filling. Use a spatula to distribute the filling evenly, ensuring it reaches the edges. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, stacking them carefully to create a uniform structure. Reserve some frosting and filling for the top and decoration.

Notes

  • For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the candied apple filling. These warm spices enhance the fall flavors and make the cake even more aromatic. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with additional all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free alternative, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
  • This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage, such as spiced tea, coffee, or mulled cider. For added decadence, serve slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • European Apple Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a labor of love that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. The combination of fluffy sponge, sweet apples, and creamy frosting makes it a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a slice by yourself, this cake is sure to create lasting memories.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

The charm of this cake lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. The sponge layers are delicately flavored, providing the perfect base for the sweet and tender apple filling. The frosting, a luxurious blend of cream cheese and whipped cream, adds a tangy yet light finish that balances the sweetness of the apples. This dessert appeals to all senses, from its eye-catching presentation to the comforting aroma of baked apples and vanilla.

This cake is not just a dessert but an art form, a labor of love that brings joy to both the baker and those who have the pleasure of indulging in it. The following detailed guide will walk you through every step of creating this masterpiece, ensuring that you end up with a cake that looks and tastes spectacular.

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 6 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup fine almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Candied Apple Filling:

  • 3 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
  • 1/3 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

For the European Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream (well chilled)

Extras and Garnish:

  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (for soaking the cake layers)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate melts (optional, for drizzling or decoration)

Instructions

Preparing the Sponge Cake

Begin by preparing the sponge cake layers, which form the foundation of this dessert. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottoms of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, ensuring the sides remain ungreased. This allows the batter to climb and achieve a beautifully risen cake. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk on high speed for 7 to 10 minutes until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and nearly tripled in volume. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light sponge.

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and baking powder. Sifting ensures that there are no lumps and the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in thirds. Use a spatula to fold gently, starting from the bottom of the bowl and working your way up. This gentle technique preserves the airiness of the batter.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Use a kitchen scale for precision to ensure the layers bake uniformly. Place the pans on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 22 to 24 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and immediately run a knife along the edges to release the cakes. Carefully invert them onto a wire rack, peel off the parchment paper, and let them cool completely before assembling.

Making the Candied Apple Filling

The candied apple filling is the heart of this cake, providing a burst of sweetness and a touch of tartness that complements the sponge layers. Peel and finely dice the apples into small cubes. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples are ideal as they retain their structure during cooking and offer a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. Place the diced apples in a saucepan or deep sauté pan, then add the sugar and water. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.

Set the pan over medium heat and cover it with a lid. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes. The steam trapped by the lid helps soften the apples. Remove the lid and continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender, translucent, and syrupy. This process takes an additional 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the apple variety. If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the apples are tender, add a splash of water and continue cooking.

Once the apples are perfectly candied, remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time during assembly.

Preparing the European Whipped Cream Frosting

This frosting is a perfect blend of tangy cream cheese and airy whipped cream, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Begin by placing the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy, free of lumps. Add the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and optional powdered sugar to the bowl. Beat the mixture until it is thick and well combined.

In a separate chilled bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream and whisk it until stiff peaks form. Start at a slow speed and gradually increase it as the cream thickens. Stiff peaks are achieved when the cream holds its shape firmly and doesn’t fall off the whisk. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream, using a spatula or the mixer on low speed. Mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before using.

Assembling the Cake

Once all components are prepared and cooled, it’s time to assemble the cake. Begin by using a serrated knife to split each sponge layer in half, creating a total of four layers. Place the bottom half of one sponge layer onto a cake stand or serving plate. Lightly brush the layer with heavy cream using a pastry brush. This step ensures the cake remains moist and tender.

Spread a generous layer of whipped cream frosting over the cake, followed by a portion of the candied apple filling. Use a spatula to distribute the filling evenly, ensuring it reaches the edges. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, stacking them carefully to create a uniform structure. Reserve some frosting and filling for the top and decoration.

Once all the layers are stacked, apply a crumb coat—a thin layer of frosting that seals in crumbs and smooths the surface. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat. After chilling, apply a thicker layer of frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula for a polished finish.

For an optional decorative touch, melt chocolate melts in the microwave and transfer the melted chocolate into a piping bag. Drizzle the chocolate over the top of the cake in a zigzag pattern. Pipe dollops of frosting along the edges using a star tip, such as Ateco #847. Garnish with the remaining candied apple filling for a stunning presentation.

Flavor and Texture Profile

European Apple Cake delights the palate with its harmony of flavors and textures. The sponge cake is light and airy, offering a subtle almond undertone that complements the rich and creamy frosting. The candied apple filling adds bursts of sweetness and a pleasant chewiness, while the whipped frosting provides a tangy, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Together, these elements create a dessert that is perfectly balanced, not overly sweet, and irresistibly satisfying.

Tips and Variations

For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the candied apple filling. These warm spices enhance the fall flavors and make the cake even more aromatic. If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with additional all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free alternative, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage, such as spiced tea, coffee, or mulled cider. For added decadence, serve slices with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

European Apple Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a labor of love that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. The combination of fluffy sponge, sweet apples, and creamy frosting makes it a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a slice by yourself, this cake is sure to create lasting memories.

European Apple Cake is a dessert that embodies warmth, tradition, and indulgence. Its delicate sponge layers, tangy whipped cream frosting, and sweet candied apple filling come together in perfect harmony, offering a slice of pure bliss. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a fall gathering, or simply indulging in the joy of baking, this cake is a timeless choice.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the love poured into every step—from the careful folding of the sponge batter to the layering of apples and frosting. It’s a dessert that invites you to slow down, savor the process, and delight in the finished masterpiece.

Not only does this cake deliver on taste and texture, but it also creates a stunning centerpiece for any table. Its elegant presentation, combined with its comforting flavors, makes it a dessert you’ll want to bake time and again. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this European Apple Cake—a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

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