Crunchy Apple Cake

Ingredients

• 3 units Apples (Granny Smith or organic) (Medium, peeled, cored and sliced)
• 200 g All-purpose flour (Sift before use)
• 65 g White sugar (Divided: 65 g for the batter, 100 g for the crunchy topping (see below))
• 1 packet Baking powder (Approximately 10 g)
• 1 pinch Salt (Fine)
• 1 teaspoon Neutral vegetable oil (Approximately 5 ml)
• 200 ml Semi-skimmed milk (20 cl, i.e., half a glass)
• 1 unit Egg (For the batter)
• 80 g Unsalted butter (For the crunchy topping, melted)
• 100 g White sugar (for the topping) (Added to the crunchy topping)
• 1 unit Egg (for the topping) (Incorporated into the crunchy topping)
• 10 g Butter (for greasing the pan) (Optional if using a silicone pan)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan

   Turn on the oven and set it to 180 °C. Grease the silicone pan with a little butter (or, if using a metal pan, butter and flour it).

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 180°C

2. Sift the dry ingredients

   In the large bowl, sift the flour, add the sugar, baking powder and salt. Lightly mix with the spatula.

   Time: PT5M

3. Incorporate the liquids

   Pour the oil, milk and egg into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous batter, without dry flour spots.

   Time: PT5M

4. Prepare the apples

   Wash the apples, peel, core and cut into slices or half‑moons about 0.5 cm thick. Reserve in a bowl of lemon water to prevent browning.

   Time: PT10M

5. Arrange the apples in the pan

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan, then arrange the apple slices evenly on top, pressing them lightly into the batter.

   Time: PT5M

6. Bake the cake

   Place the cake in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a knife tip: it should come out clean.

   Time: PT25M

   Temperature: 180°C

7. Prepare the crunchy topping

   While baking, melt 80 g butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 100 g sugar, stir, then incorporate a beaten egg. Stir until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

8. Brush the hot cake

   Immediately after removing from the oven, generously brush the top of the cake with the crunchy topping using a brush. The topping will slightly caramelize upon contact with the hot cake.

   Time: PT5M

9. Rest and serve

   Let the cake rest for 15 minutes at room temperature so the crunchy layer sets slightly before serving.

   Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

417

Protein

5 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

3 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Apples (Granny Smith or organic): Pears
• Instead of All-purpose flour: Wheat flour
• Instead of White sugar: Cane sugar, Sweetener
• Instead of Baking powder: Baking soda + vinegar
• Instead of Neutral vegetable oil: Sunflower oil, Canola oil
• Instead of Semi-skimmed milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
• Instead of Egg: Apple sauce (½ cup), Mashed banana
• Instead of Unsalted butter: Margarine
• Instead of White sugar (for the topping): Cane sugar
• Instead of Egg (for the topping): Avocado puree (¼ cup)
• Instead of Butter (for greasing the pan): Vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

• Silicone mold (or classic cake pan)
• Oven
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or spatula
• Sieve or fine strainer
• Kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Small saucepan (for the topping)
• Cooking brush
• Silicone spatula

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Preheat the oven to 180 °C and grease the pan
• Sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps
• Arrange the apples evenly in the batter
• Precise baking for 25 minutes
• Brush the cake immediately after removing from the oven with the crunchy topping

Chef Tips from the Video

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra flavor.
• Use slightly tart apples to contrast with the caramelized sugar.
• For an even crunchier effect, sprinkle a little brown sugar on the topping before brushing.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Keep covered 2‑3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer: Not recommended, the crunchy texture deteriorates.

Room temperature: Consume within 24 hours, keep away from moisture.

Make-Ahead Tips

• The batter can be prepared 2 hours ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator.
• Apple slices can be soaked in lemon water to prevent oxidation.
• The crunchy topping can be made ahead and gently reheated before applying.