HOW TO PREPARE APPLE CAKE

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound apples (equivalent 3 large sizes of Apples)

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

3/4 cup granulated white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/3 cup apricot preserves or jam

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk

1/3 cup raisins

1/3 cup apricot preserves or jam

PREPARATION:

 
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius  

2. Butter a 20 cm square baking pan. Alternatively spray with a non-sticking cooking spray and then line with a wax paper.

3. Put the nuts on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until it is lightly brown and fragrant. Remove from oven and allow to cool and roughly chop.

4. Chunk chopped apples with 1 - 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

5. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt in an electric mixture bowl or alternatively use hand bowl and add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk and beat until it's well mixed. Also add the chopped nuts, raisins, and chopped apples in this stage.

6. Transfer the butter to the  butter or sprayed pan and smooth the top. 

7. Bake in the oven for about 35 - 45 minutes or until golden brown texture is achieved. 

8. Remove and allow to cool.

9. Warm the apricot jam or preserves in a small saucepan over medium heat until it attain a liquid state. Strain the jam through a fine strainer to remove any fruit lumps after removing from heat and use a pastry brush to spread the warmed preserves over the apple cake.

10. After cake is prepared serve warm with softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers  in a well covered bowl and reheat when want to serve.