Apple Cake with Mandarin Marmalade

The apple cake is a classic homemade dessert and the addition of mandarin marmalade will give it a pleasant citrus note. Here’s how to make a delicious apple cake with mandarin marmalade.

Ingredients

• 300 g of all-purpose flour
• 200 g of sugar
• 3 eggs
• 150 g of softened butter
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 4 golden apples
• 150 g of mandarin marmalade
• Icing sugar (for decorating)
• Cinnamon powder (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180° C.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until it’s frothy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to beat well to incorporate them.
4. Mix the grated lemon zest and a pinch of salt into the mixture.
5. Sift the flour with the baking powder and add to the mixture gradually, stirring gently to avoid lumps.
6. Peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into not-too-thick slices.
7. Butter and flour a round cake pan, then pour half of the batter into the pan.
8. Arrange a layer of apple slices over the batter and sprinkle with cinnamon if you want a spicy note.
9. Spread the mandarin marmalade evenly over the apples.
10. Cover with the remaining batter and decorate the top with the remaining apple slices.
11. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
12. Once the cake is cooked and slightly cooled, dust with icing sugar before serving.

Fun Fact

The apple cake is a dessert that lends itself to numerous variations in different culinary traditions. In Italy, every region has its variant, from the most rustic to the most sophisticated. The addition of the mandarin marmalade gives this version a special touch and a freshness that matches well with the sweet and soft taste of the baked apples.