Russian Apple Cake - Sharlotka

Ingredients

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 240 kcal / 1004 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
4. 4.
   Gently fold in the sliced apples, ensuring they are evenly coated with the batter.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
6. 6.
   Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
9. 9.
   Slice and serve the Sharlotka cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. Slice them thinly to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the batter for a subtle citrusy flavor.
• Serve the Sharlotka warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
• Experiment with different apple varieties to discover your favorite flavor combination.
• Dust the sliced apples with a bit of cinnamon before folding them into the batter for an extra burst of spice.
• To make the cake extra moist, brush the top with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water before dusting with powdered sugar.

Serving advice

Serve the Sharlotka cake at room temperature or slightly warm. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.