Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of apples with a light, fluffy cake. This German-style apple cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve at any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. The unique filling of tender apples, paired with a hint of lemon and vanilla, makes it a standout treat that will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and warm spices creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream or at room temperature for an afternoon treat—ideal for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: This cake is great for gatherings, allowing you to share delightful slices with friends and family.
• Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch, this dessert brings a touch of home-baked warmth that store-bought cakes can’t match.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana, having the right tools is essential. These items will help ensure your baking process goes smoothly and results in a delicious cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Baking pan (round or square)
• Peeler

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps combine your ingredients evenly for the best texture.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that your eggs and sugar are aerated properly for a light cake.
• Baking pan: The right size pan ensures even baking, preventing overflows or undercooked centers.

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
• 2-3 cucharadas de azúcar en polvo para espolvorear

How to Make Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients on the countertop. Ensure everything is measured accurately before you start mixing. This helps streamline the process and avoids any last-minute scrambles.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the heat is evenly distributed when you place your cake inside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar/extract. Whisk until well blended.
2. Add the milk, and then incorporate the melted butter. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
1. The flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients.
2. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing for better texture.

Step 5: Prepare Apples

Peel and core the apples. Slice them thinly and toss them in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

1. Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
3. Layer the sliced apples evenly over the batter.
4. Top with remaining batter, ensuring apples are mostly covered.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place in preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow your Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing to serve!

Enjoy this delightful cake warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Serving your Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana can elevate the experience for your guests. Here are some delightful ways to present this delicious dessert.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy touch that perfectly complements the warm flavors of the cake.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, indulgent layer to each slice.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Fresh whipped cream provides a light and airy contrast, making each bite feel luxurious.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing balance to the richness of the cake.

How to Perfect Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

To ensure your Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe apples: Use sweet and slightly tart apples for the filling. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.

• Pre-cook the filling: Lightly cook the apple slices with sugar and lemon juice before adding them to the batter for enhanced flavor.

• Don’t overmix: Gently fold your ingredients together. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.

• Let it cool: Allow the pastel to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Pairing side dishes with your Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that melts beautifully over warm cake.

2. Fresh Berry Salad: A mix of berries adds brightness and acidity, enhancing dessert flavors.

3. Custard Sauce: A drizzle of custard offers a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with apple desserts.

4. Caramelized Nuts: Crunchy nuts add texture and a sweet element that complements the cake’s softness.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top gives an extra layer of sweetness and spice.

6. Mascarpone Cheese: A dollop of mascarpone provides a rich, creamy contrast that balances the cake’s sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not using room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can lead to a dense cake. Always use eggs at room temperature for the best texture.
• Skipping the lemon juice: The lemon juice adds balance and prevents the apples from browning. Don’t skip this step when preparing your filling.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your cake tough. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cool affects baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not greasing the pan properly: A sticky cake is frustrating! Ensure you thoroughly grease your baking pan to prevent sticking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it in the fridge if you want to enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

Freezing Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date so you can track freshness.

Reheating Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 30-45 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, feel free to substitute with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile!

How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

What can I serve with Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana?

Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.

How do I customize the filling?

You can add nuts, cinnamon, or raisins to enhance the flavor of the apple filling.

Final Thoughts

The Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various fruits or spices, making it your own. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its comforting flavors with friends and family!