This Apple Cake with Raspberry Jam is a soft, fluffy cake made with grated apples, a hint of lemon, and a swirl of raspberry jam for extra sweetness. It’s simple to make and perfect for dessert or as a snack with a cup of tea. The addition of sour cream and butter makes the cake incredibly moist, while the apples keep it light and fresh.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients List
- 3 apples, peeled and grated
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar (½ cup)
- 8 g vanilla sugar (about 1 tbsp)
- 120 ml butter, melted (½ cup)
- 120 g sour cream (½ cup)
- 220 g flour (1¾ cups)
- 12 g baking powder (about 2 tsp)
- 50 g raspberry jam (about 3 tbsp)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease and flour a round or square cake pan (about 9-inch size) or line with parchment paper.
2. Prepare apples and lemon juice
Peel and grate the apples into a bowl, then squeeze in the lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until well combined.
5. Add the apples
Fold the grated apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Prepare the cake pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam onto the top of the batter and swirl gently with a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Additional Notes
- Moisture Tip: For a moister cake, use slightly tart apples like Granny Smith.
- Jam Options: You can substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or blueberry jam for different flavors.
- Topping Suggestion: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian
- Contains dairy and gluten
- Can be made dairy-free by using plant-based butter and yogurt
Brief Introduction
This cake is a great way to use up fresh apples. The juicy, grated apples mix with a soft, fluffy batter to create a comforting cake, while the raspberry jam adds a sweet touch. Perfect for casual gatherings or cozy afternoons!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide (Visual Tips)
- Make sure the apples are finely grated so they blend well with the batter.
- Swirl the raspberry jam gently—don’t overmix for a nice marbled effect.
- Cake should rise nicely and become golden brown on top.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Apples
- Use Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness.
- Peeling the apples ensures a smoother batter, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer.
Sour Cream
- Adds moisture and a slight tang; can be substituted with Greek yogurt.
Jam
- Use your favorite fruit jam. You can also add fresh fruit instead of jam for a different texture.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Cinnamon: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the batter for an extra warm spice note.
- Serve with Ice Cream: This cake goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate if you want to keep it longer, up to 5 days.
- Freezes well for 1–2 months. Wrap tightly before freezing.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit for the cake?
Yes! You can substitute the apples with pears, mango, or berries.
Can I add nuts to this cake?
Yes, adding walnuts or pecans will give the cake a delicious crunch.
What’s the best way to swirl the jam?
Add the jam in spoonfuls and use a toothpick or knife to swirl it lightly—don’t overmix.
Optional Personal Story
This cake reminds me of fall afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. The warmth of fresh apples and the sweetness of jam make it the perfect dessert for family gatherings. It’s always a hit!
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