Salted Caramel Extra-Moist Apple Cake

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Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 4 apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
  • 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 150g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 60ml (1/4 cup) milk

For the Caramel Sauce:

  • 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 90g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 120ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp fleur de sel (sea salt flakes)

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set aside.
  3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
  5. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Fold in the apples: Gently fold the apple slices into the batter until evenly distributed.
  8. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  9. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

  1. Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it.
  2. Add the butter: Add the butter to the melted sugar and whisk until combined. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
  3. Add the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes until smooth.
  4. Add the salt: Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and stir in the fleur de sel.
  5. Cool the sauce: Allow the caramel sauce to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cake.

Assemble and Serve:

  1. Drizzle the caramel: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top.
  2. Serve: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy your Gâteau extra-moelleux aux pommes et au caramel à la fleur de sel!

Benefits:

  • Apples provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
  • Cinnamon may help with blood sugar regulation and has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Homemade caramel is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients found in store-bought versions.

Enjoy this moist and delicious apple cake with its rich, salted caramel topping!

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