Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of apples with a soft, cake-like texture. This German-style apple cake is perfect for various occasions, from family gatherings to festive celebrations. Its unique combination of fresh apples and zesty lemon creates a refreshing flavor profile that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of sweet apples and aromatic vanilla provides a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can succeed!
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or cold as an afternoon snack.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together, this cake fits right in.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome components that you can feel good about serving.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana, having the right tools is crucial. Ensure your kitchen is equipped to make this delicious treat effortlessly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish
• Peeler

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even batter.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking dish: Provides an even bake for your cake, essential for achieving the perfect consistency.
• Peeler: Makes peeling apples quick and easy, saving time in preparation.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 2 huevos grandes, a temperatura ambiente
• 100 g (½ taza) de azúcar granulada
• 1 cucharadita de azúcar de vainilla o 1 cucharadita de extracto puro de vainilla
• 100 ml (⅓ taza + 1½ cucharadas) de leche entera
• 20 g (1½ cucharadas) de mantequilla sin sal, derretida y enfriada
• 80 g (⅔ taza) de harina común
• 1 cucharadita de polvo para hornear
• Una pizca de sal marina fina
• Ralladura fresca de 1 limón sin cera

For the Apple Filling

• 4-5 manzanas medianas (aproximadamente 750 g/1,65 lbs)
• Jugo de ½ limón fresco

For Serving

• 2-3 cucharadas de azúcar en polvo para espolvorear

How to Make Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

• Peel the apples and slice them thinly.
• Place them in a bowl and toss with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar or extract, milk, and melted butter until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest together.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while mixing until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

• Pour half of the batter into a greased baking dish.
• Arrange half of the sliced apples over the batter.
• Cover with remaining batter and top with remaining apple slices.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake for about 45–50 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 8: Dust with Powdered Sugar

• Once cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana!

How to Serve Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Serving Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana can elevate your dessert experience. This delightful cake pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.

Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with homemade whipped cream for an airy, sweet finish that complements the apple filling.

Caramel Sauce

• Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake to add a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the apples.

Fresh Berries

• Add a side of fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing burst of flavor and color on the plate.

Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the cake for added crunch and nutty richness.

How to Perfect Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Making the perfect Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps create a smoother batter and improves the overall texture of your cake.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and baking powder together allows for even mixing, ensuring no lumps in your batter.

• Choose ripe apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith; they provide a great balance to the sweetness in the cake.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture; some lumps are perfectly fine.

• Allow cooling time: Let the cake cool completely before slicing; this helps set the apple filling and makes it easier to cut.

Best Side Dishes for Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Pairing side dishes with your Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, it brings creaminess that perfectly balances the cake’s flavors.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crispy treats add a fun crunch and extra cinnamon flavor that complements apples nicely.

3. Caramelized Pears: Sweet, soft pears cooked in butter and brown sugar offer a luxurious addition alongside your dessert.

4. Cream Cheese Frosting: For those who enjoy richer flavors, a dollop of this frosting on top can make each bite decadent.

5. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote adds moisture and enhances the apple flavor found in the cake itself.

6. Chai Tea: This spiced beverage provides warmth and aromatic notes that pair wonderfully with sweet desserts like this cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to be aware of:

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can affect the batter’s texture. Always use ingredients at room temperature for best results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the lemon zest: The lemon zest adds brightness and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your cake.
• Using unripe apples: Unripe apples can lead to a less sweet filling. Choose sweet, ripe apples for the best flavor in your filling.
• Not letting it cool properly: Cutting into the cake while it’s hot can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool completely before serving for clean slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm a slice in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana:

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

You can definitely customize the filling with other fruits like pears or berries. Just adjust the sugar according to their sweetness.

What type of apples work best for Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana?

Sweet varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are ideal as they hold up well during baking and provide great flavor.

How long does it take to bake?

The cake typically takes about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Always check with a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This particular recipe is not vegan due to the eggs and dairy. However, you can substitute with flax eggs and plant-based milk for a vegan version.

Final Thoughts

Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana is not only delightful but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different spices or fruits according to your preference. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at breakfast or as a dessert. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its comforting flavors!