Il Cucinologo
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Sunburst Apple Cake

17/11/2023

The sunburst apple cake is a sweet variation of the classic apple cake, where the apple slices are arranged like the rays of the sun, creating a beautiful visual effect. Here’s what you need and how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 225 g flour (plus a little for dusting)
  • 125 g granulated sugar
  • 125 g cold butter, cubed (plus a little for greasing)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 sachet baking powder (about 8 g)
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 large apples (such as Golden Delicious or Renette)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Ground cinnamon (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 ºC and grease a round cake tin with a little butter. Dust with a little flour to prevent the dough from sticking.
  2. To make the shortcrust pastry, place the flour, cold butter, granulated sugar, grated lemon zest and pinch of salt in a food processor. Mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  3. Add one egg and continue mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape into a disc. Place the disc in the prepared tin, pressing it well onto the base and sides.
  5. Peel the apples, remove the cores and slice them thinly. Place them in a bowl with the lemon juice to prevent oxidation.
  6. Arrange the apple slices on the shortcrust base starting from the outer edge, slightly overlapping them and creating a spiral pattern reminiscent of sun rays.
  7. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and brush it over the apple surface.
  8. Sprinkle the cake with brown sugar and a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
  9. Bake the cake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are golden and the base is cooked through.
  10. Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the tin.

Trivia

Thanks to the special arrangement of the apples, this cake is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. It’s perfect to serve as a dessert on special occasions or simply to make afternoon tea more cheerful and refined.

If you want to stay true to the Italian theme, you could add a splash of amaretto liqueur to the cake mixture or as a finishing touch for a slightly more intense and distinctive aroma. Happy baking and buon appetito!