Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana is a delightful dessert that brings together the warm flavors of apples and the comforting sweetness of a cake. This German-inspired pastry is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy afternoon tea. With its tender cake and luscious apple filling, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and make your taste buds sing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and aromatic vanilla creates a delicious balance that will please everyone.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is suitable for all celebrations.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream; the possibilities are endless.
• Impressive Presentation: This cake not only tastes great but also looks beautiful on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana, having the right tools is essential. Ensure you have everything you need before starting your baking journey.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking dish (preferably round)
• Peeler and knife for apples

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: These allow you to combine ingredients easily without mess.
• Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into your batter, making it light and fluffy.
• Baking dish: Choosing the right size ensures even baking throughout the cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 2 huevos grandes, a temperatura ambiente
• 100 g (½ taza) de azúcar granulada
• 1 cucharadita de azúcar de vainilla o 1 cucharadita de extracto puro de vainilla
• 100 ml (⅓ taza + 1½ cucharadas) de leche entera
• 20 g (1½ cucharadas) de mantequilla sin sal, derretida y enfriada
• 80 g (⅔ taza) de harina común
• 1 cucharadita de polvo para hornear
• Una pizca de sal marina fina
• Ralladura fresca de 1 limón sin cera

For the Apple Filling

• 4-5 manzanas medianas (aproximadamente 750 g/1,65 lbs)
• Jugo de ½ limón fresco

For Dusting

• 2-3 cucharadas de azúcar en polvo para espolvorear

How to Make Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add in the milk and melted butter while continuing to mix.
3. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
4. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel and core the apples.
2. Cut them into thin slices and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Pour half of the batter into your greased baking dish.
2. Layer the apple slices evenly on top of the batter.
3. Pour the remaining batter over the apples to cover them completely.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Dust with Sugar

Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature for an unforgettable treat!

How to Serve Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Serving Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments and presentations. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture, balancing the flavors of the cake.

À la Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dusting the cake with powdered sugar gives it an elegant finish and enhances its sweetness.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh slices of apple or berries for a refreshing complement to the rich filling.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce brings an indulgent sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the apple filling.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

• Enjoying this dessert with a cup of tea or coffee enhances the experience, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

How to Perfect Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

To ensure your Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps achieve a better batter consistency, resulting in a fluffier cake.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently combine ingredients to avoid activating too much gluten, which can lead to a dense texture.

• Choose Firm Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape during baking.

• Adjust Sweetness as Needed: Taste your apple filling and adjust the sugar based on the natural sweetness of your apples.

• Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven for even baking; this ensures your cake rises properly and cooks evenly.

• Let It Cool Before Serving: Allowing the cake to cool slightly enhances its flavor and makes it easier to slice.

Best Side Dishes for Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

Pairing side dishes with your Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that offers creaminess against the warm, spiced cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and brightness to complement the richness of the dessert.

3. Custard Sauce: Pouring custard over your slice adds a creamy element that enhances each bite.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Tortillas: Crispy tortillas sprinkled with cinnamon sugar create a delightful crunchy contrast.

5. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses balances the sweet flavors while adding savory notes.

6. Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage like hot chocolate pairs beautifully on colder days, enhancing comfort flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using cold ingredients – Always use eggs and milk at room temperature. This helps the batter mix well and rise properly.
• Not measuring accurately – Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar.
• Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Using too many apples – While apples add flavor, too many can make the cake soggy. Stick to 4-5 medium apples for the best texture.
• Skipping the lemon juice – Lemon juice not only enhances apple flavor but also prevents browning. Don’t skip this step!
• Not preheating the oven – Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and proper rising.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana:

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! You can experiment with pears or berries to create different flavors in your pastel.

How do I know when my pastel is done?

The pastel is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their balance of sweetness and tartness, which works well in desserts.

Final Thoughts

The Pastel Alemán con Relleno de Manzana is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Whether you serve it as a dessert or enjoy it with coffee, this cake is sure to delight anyone who tries it. Don’t hesitate—give it a try today!