The term Milopita, written in Greek μηλοπιτα (pronounced: me-LOH-pee-tah), means “apple pie”. The suffix Pita in Greek means cake or tart. This apple pie is generously spiced with cinnamon, not too sweet, and perfect with your morning coffee and afternoon coffee. It is perfect as a dessert and is easy to prepare. It may seem simple enough, but the smell as it bakes fills the house with fall flavors and you can’t wait for the cake to come out of the oven! It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for weeknight baking or weekend entertaining.
The original recipe is not vegan, since it contains eggs. I share with you the vegan version that uses flaxseed egg as a substitute for chicken eggs. The rest of the ingredients in the traditional recipe are vegan. Obviously, you can use eggs if you do not follow a vegan diet.
In the realm of desserts, few treats evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and nostalgia quite like a homemade apple cake. The perfect blend of sweet, tart apples and delicate spices, this delightful confection has a way of capturing the essence of autumn and bringing joy to any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a teatime treat, a cozy dessert, or a centerpiece at festive gatherings, apple cake holds a special place in the hearts and palates of dessert lovers worldwide. Join us as we embark on a delectable journey into the realm of apple cake, exploring its history, flavors, and the art of crafting a perfect slice.
A Bite into History:
The origins of apple cake can be traced back centuries, with various iterations found across different cultures. From the European Apfelkuchen to the American apple pie, apples have long been cherished in baked goods. The concept of an apple cake varies, from dense and moist to light and fluffy, but the common denominator remains the star ingredient: apples. As the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and this delightful cake makes that wisdom all the more enticing.
Flavors That Dance:
One of the apple cake’s greatest charms lies in its ability to harmonize flavors. The luscious sweetness of apples, combined with the warm embrace of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creates a symphony for the taste buds. The tender crumb of the cake provides the perfect canvas for the apple’s natural tartness and juiciness. Some recipes also incorporate a hint of lemon zest or vanilla to elevate the flavor profile further. Each bite is a balance of textures and tastes, offering a delectable treat for all.
The Art of Baking:
Baking an apple cake is not just a culinary endeavor; it’s an opportunity to create something truly special. The process begins with selecting the right apples, opting for varieties that hold up well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Once peeled, cored, and sliced, the apples are tossed with a touch of lemon juice to prevent browning. As it bakes, the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon permeates the kitchen, teasing taste buds and building anticipation.
Serving and Pairing:
When the apple cake emerges from the oven, golden and fragrant, it’s time for the grand finale: serving and pairing. Some prefer to enjoy it warm, with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting beside each slice. Others find pleasure in the simplicity of dusting it with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. Pairing options are equally diverse, with a cup of steaming tea, a mug of spiced cider, or a scoop of caramel sauce providing delightful accompaniments. Whatever your preference, the apple cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Conclusion:
An apple cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of comfort, nostalgia, and autumnal joy. From its humble origins to the countless variations that grace our tables today, this delightful treat has stood the test of time. With its harmonious blend of flavors, tender texture, and the love poured into each homemade creation, apple cake continues to be a timeless favorite. So, next time you’re seeking a dessert that captures the essence of the season, why not bake an apple cake and savor the taste of pure bliss?
If you have tried this recipe, leave me a comment so I know if you liked it! You can also upload a photo to Instagram using the hashtag #caudesucre and tag @caudesucre so they can see it. I love reading and seeing your creations!!
Sweet dreams,
Milopita - Greek apple cake (vegan)
This apple pie is generously spiced with cinnamon, not too sweet, and perfect with your morning coffee and afternoon coffee. It is perfect as a dessert and is easy to prepare. It may seem simple enough, but the smell as it bakes fills the house with fall flavors and you can't wait for the cake to come out of the oven! It's a simple yet elegant dessert that's perfect for weeknight baking or weekend entertaining.
Ingredients
- 120g all purpose flour + 60g whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 flaxseed "egg" (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) *or use 1 regular egg if not making the vegan version
- 180g brown sugar
- 70 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 80ml apple juice
- 120g grated apple (any variety will do)
- 1 apple peeled and chopped
- 1 apple with skin and thinly sliced to decorate
- 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 tablespoon brown sugar to glaze the sliced apples
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 170ºC. Grease a removable mold about 24 cm in diameter with olive oil and set aside.
Mix the flour with the cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
In another bowl, mix the flaxseed egg with the brown sugar, oil and apple juice.
Add the two flours to the liquid mixture, beating until combined.
Add the grated apples and the chopped apples mixing until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the greased pan and arrange the apple slices overlapping around the top of the pan.
Brush the apple slices with olive oil, then sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 45 min.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Unmold when warm and let cool completely about 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days. About the spices, you can adjust them according to your personal preferences. Greek sweets tend to be quite spicy, so you can omit the cloves and cardamom if you prefer your desserts less spicy.
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