Bread and Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of stale bread and fresh apples. This unique cake is not only a clever way to use up leftover bread but also creates a moist, flavorful treat that everyone will love. With a hint of lemon and a sprinkle of cinnamon, each bite reminds you of home. Perfect for any occasion, you can serve it warm or let it cool for a delicious snack.
What You’ll Need for Bread and Apple Cake
To whip up this delicious Bread and Apple Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 500 g (about 2 cups) milk
- 300 g (about 10.5 oz) stale bread (approx. 5 rolls)
- 3 Golden apples (approx. 600 g or 1.3 lbs)
- 140 g (about 2/3 cup) sugar
- 100 g (about 3.5 oz) raisins
- 50 g (about 3.5 tbsp) butter
- 2 medium eggs
- 1/2 sachet (about 2 tsp) baking powder for cakes
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Breadcrumbs (for the cake pan)
- Butter (for greasing)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for decoration)
- Powdered sugar (for decorating)
How to Make Bread and Apple Cake
Follow these simple steps to create your Bread and Apple Cake:
- Slice and cube the stale bread, placing it in a large bowl. Pour warm milk over it and let it soften for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Soak the raisins in warm water while the bread softens.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them into wedges and thin pieces.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with lemon juice, 20 g (about 2 tbsp) of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest.
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F).
- Melt the butter and set it aside for later use.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar until dissolved.
- Add the soaked bread, baking powder, and melted butter to the egg mixture, and mix everything together.
- Incorporate the apple and raisin mixture and stir until homogeneous.
- Grease a 24 cm (9.5-inch) springform pan with butter and breadcrumbs. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface.
- Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar on top to create a lovely crust.
- Bake for 1 hour until golden brown, checking the cooking 5 minutes beforehand to avoid over baking.
- If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze sliced for later enjoyment.
How to Serve Bread and Apple Cake
Serving your Bread and Apple Cake can be as simple or as fancy as you want. Here are a few ideas:
- Warm Slices: Serve the cake warm right from the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar. This is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Accompaniment Ideas: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream goes wonderfully with each slice.
- Pair with Beverages: Serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful pairing that enhances the flavors of the cake.
Expert Tips for Bread and Apple Cake
Here are some helpful tips to make your baking experience even better:
- Use Sweet Apples: Golden apples or other sweet varieties make a big difference in flavor. Feel free to mix different apple types for added depth!
- Enhance with Nuts: For a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Stale Bread Variety: Any type of stale bread works, but slightly sweet breads like brioche can add an extra layer of flavor to your cake.
Bread and Apple Cake FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
While it’s best to use stale bread, you can dry fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes to make it suitable.
How long will this cake last?
Bread and Apple Cake can last for about 3 days at room temperature if stored properly, or it can be frozen for longer storage.
Can I substitute the eggs in the recipe?
Yes! You can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) as an egg substitute.
This Bread and Apple Cake is a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into a delightful dessert. Once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to miss making it again! Enjoy this recipe and share it with friends and family for a sweet day!