There’s something enchantingly nostalgic about baking a Romanian Apple Cake—it transports me to my childhood, where the aroma of freshly baked goods filled my grandma’s kitchen. With her, every visit was a culinary adventure, and this cake was always a highlight. I still remember the excitement of helping her peel apples and eagerly waiting for that golden crust to come out of the oven. It’s a simple yet magical dessert that never fails to impress!
What I love most about this cake is its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel at home, whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it yourself with a warm cup of tea. So, let’s gather our ingredients and create a delicious Romanian classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
What’s in Romanian Apple Cake?
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our crust. I always opt for King Arthur Flour because it has a wonderful texture that holds up well.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both the crust and filling, it provides that essential sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet your apples are!
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives our crust that rich, flaky texture. I’m a fan of Challenge Butter for its consistent quality.
- Egg: This brings everything together and adds moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the crust, lending a warm flavor that compliments the apples beautifully.
- Baking powder: This helps our crust rise slightly and become wonderfully light.
- Salt: Just a pinch—it enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite. Use a mix for the best flavor!
- Cinnamon: Essential for giving that warm, spiced flavor that defines a classic apple dessert.
- Lemon juice: It brightens the apple filling and prevents browning; plus, it’s a flavor booster!
- Flour: Just a little to thicken the apple mixture, ensuring it doesn’t turn soupy while baking.
- Powdered sugar: For dusting on top—I mean, who can resist a little powdered sugar magic?
Is Romanian Apple Cake Good for You?
This cake is a delightful treat with some redeeming qualities—especially when you consider the use of apples. They are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy addition! While butter and sugar are, well, less than health-friendly in excess, it’s about balance, right? Enjoying a slice now and then won’t hurt, especially when it’s in the company of friends or family.
However, if you’re watching your sugar intake, you can replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or Xylitol for a lower-calorie option. Just remember that cooking times and quantities might vary a bit. Overall, it’s not health food, but it offers the occasional sweet indulgence that flavors life!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for filling)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp flour (for filling)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Romanian Apple Cake?
- Let’s start by preparing the crust. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add in the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a cohesive dough forms—try not to overwork it, though!
- Once your dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out later.
- While the dough chills, let’s make the filling! In another bowl, combine the chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are nicely coated, and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s all warm and toasty when our cake is ready to go in.
- On a floured surface, roll out about two-thirds of your chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Place it into a greased 9-inch pie or tart pan, pressing it down to fit the bottom and sides.
- Now, spoon that apple filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. It already looks mouthwatering!
- For the topping, roll out the remaining dough. You can cut it into strips to make a lovely lattice or just lay a flat piece of dough on top and cut slits for steam to escape.
- Pop your cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar once it’s cool!
- Slice, serve, and enjoy warm or at room temperature. I recommend pairing it with either whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Sweet Little Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Cake
- If you’re short on time, store-bought dough can work in a pinch, but I encourage you to try homemade for that extra love!
- Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch in the filling.
- This cake also freezes beautifully! Just wrap it well and toss it in the freezer—perfect for a quick dessert later!
This Romanian Apple Cake is bound to become a beloved favorite for cozy family gatherings or quiet evenings at home. It’s comforting, delicious, and just downright delightful. I can’t wait for you to try it—share your baking stories with me, and let’s create more sweet memories together! Happy baking!
