Il Cucinologo
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Apple Cake with Yogurt Filling and Shortcrust Pastry Crust

17/11/2023

Here is the recipe for a delicious Apple Cake with Yogurt Filling and Shortcrust Pastry Crust.

Ingredients

For the shortcrust pastry:

  • 300 g of 00 flour
  • 150 g of cold butter, cubed
  • 100 g of powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • A pinch of salt

For the filling:

  • 4 large apples (Golden or Fuji variety)
  • 150 g of granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 250 g of whole plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is best)
  • 1 lemon (grated zest)
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start with the shortcrust pastry by placing the flour and cold butter in a bowl. Work quickly with your fingertips until you obtain a sandy mixture.
  2. Add the powdered sugar, the pinch of salt, and the egg. Knead quickly until you obtain a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Peel the apples, remove the cores, and slice them thinly. If desired, sprinkle with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you obtain a frothy mixture. Add the yogurt, cornstarch, grated lemon zest, and cinnamon. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous filling.
  5. Roll out the shortcrust pastry with a rolling pin on a floured surface, trying to create a thin disk that can line a cake pan (preferably with a removable bottom).
  6. Transfer the pastry to the pan and prick the bottom with a fork. Arrange the apple slices evenly on the bottom and pour the yogurt mixture over them.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden and the filling has set.
  8. Let the cake cool before serving. If desired, you can dust it with a little powdered sugar before serving.

Trivia

This variation of apple cake stands out for its creaminess from the use of yogurt, which adds a touch of freshness to the dish. The cinnamon added to the filling is not essential, but it is recommended to enhance the autumnal flavor of the apples. In Italy, apple cake is a classic comfort food, perfect for any time of day, from breakfast to after dinner, perhaps accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.