Description
A moist sponge cake made with apples, dates, and almonds, topped with a rich golden caramel.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200 grams (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 150 grams (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 grams (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 200 grams (about 2 cups) apples, peeled and diced
- 100 grams (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped
- 50 grams (½ cup) slivered almonds
- For the caramel:
- 150 grams (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 50 ml (3 tablespoons) water
- 50 grams (¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 100 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, chopped dates, and slivered almonds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil until it turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the desired color is reached, carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Add a pinch of salt and stir until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the golden caramel over the top. Slice and serve the cake on a simple white plate, optionally garnished with extra slivered almonds or a sprinkle of sea salt.
Notes
- For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream when serving.
- Ensure the apples are firm to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Apple Date Almond Sponge, Golden Caramel, Cake Recipe