Golden Apple Cake with Rum Cream

I first ate this cake in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy, where it was served with Picolit, a golden dessert wine with a flavor like honey. Almost more apples than cake, it is topped with a dollop of rum-flavored whipped cream.
I usually use Golden Delicious apples, which are similar to the baking variety used in Italy. Sweet and juicy when raw, they hold their shape when cooked. Other good varieties for this cake include tart Granny Smith and crisp, juicy Jonagold.

SERVES: 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS:

FOR CAKE

• 9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter
• 3 medium Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, halved lengthwise, and cut crosswise into ¼-inch-thick slices
• ⅔ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
• Confectioners’ sugar

FOR WHIPPED CREAM

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons dark rum

INSTRUCTIONS:

TO MAKE THE CAKE

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet. Pour 6 tablespoons of the butter into a large bowl.
2. Add the apples to the butter remaining in the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool slightly.
3. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter and flour a 9-inch round cake pan and tap out the excess flour.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Whisk the eggs and yolk, granulated sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest into the butter in the bowl.
6. Beat in the dry ingredients with a wooden spoon.
7. Fold in the cooked apples.
8. Scrape the batter into the prepared cake pan.
9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is browned and puffed.
10. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
11. Invert the cake onto a plate and lift off the pan, then invert the cake again onto the rack to cool completely.

TO MAKE THE WHIPPED CREAM

1. Place a large bowl and your mixer beaters in the refrigerator to chill.
2. Just before serving, pour the cream and rum into the chilled bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.

TO SERVE

1. Sprinkle the cake with confectioners’ sugar.
2. Cut into wedges and serve with the whipped cream.

VARIATIONS:

Golden Apple Cake with Rum Cream is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Spiced Apple Cake: Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the cake batter for a comforting and aromatic twist. These spices complement the sweetness of the apples and add a cozy flavor profile to the cake.
• Nutty Apple Cake: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cake batter for added crunch and richness. You can either fold the nuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking for a beautiful presentation.
• Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm cake before serving to enhance the caramelization of the apples and add a luscious, sweet element to the dessert. You can make your own caramel sauce or use store-bought for convenience.
• Apple Streusel Cake: Create a streusel topping by combining flour, sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the cake batter before baking to add a delightful crumbly texture and extra flavor to the cake.
• Boozy Rum Cream: Experiment with different flavors of rum or liquor for the cream component. You can try spiced rum, vanilla-infused rum, or even a touch of bourbon to elevate the taste and create a unique twist. Adjust the amount of rum based on your preference for the level of booziness.
• Topping Variations: Instead of serving the cake with a traditional rum cream, you can get creative with other toppings. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for added decadence.

Remember to adjust the quantities and cooking times accordingly when incorporating variations to ensure the best results. These variations offer opportunities to customize the Golden Apple Cake with Rum Cream according to your taste preferences and create a dessert that is truly delightful and unique.