Ukrainian: Apple Sharlotka Cake

Recipe by Marina K <marina@cooking-with-paul.com>

(serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

• 3 medium/large granny smith apples (about 1½ lbs)
• 6 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon confectioners (powdered) sugar, to dust (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream and whipped cream (optional)

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F
2. Peel, core, quarter and slice apples into ¼-inch thick pieces
3. Line bottom of un-greased 9-inch springform pan with a ring of parchment paper
4. In a large bowl, beat eggs with a hand mixer until foamy (about 1 minute on high setting); gradually add 1 cup sugar while continuing to beat eggs on high for 8 to 10 minutes (until thick and fluffy ribbon forms)
5. Fold in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract just until incorporated
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1⅓ cups flour with ½ teaspoon baking powder; sift flour mixture into the beaten egg batter in 3 increments, folding with a spatula between each addition (scrape from the bottom of the bowl to ensure pockets of flour aren't missed); stop mixing when you no longer see streaks of flour (but don't over-mix)
7. Fold in sliced apples quickly, reserving 1 cup for the top; immediately pour batter into the prepared springform pan; spread batter evenly with a spatula (but do not tap the pan)
8. Scatter the remaining apple evenly over the top; bake at 350˚F for 50-55 minutes (until the top becomes golden brown)
9. Remove from oven and let rest in pan for 15 min
10. Slide a thin spatula or knife around the edges of the pan to loosen; transfer to a cake platter to cool to room temperature; dust with powdered sugar
11. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream (if desired)