Zurich Apple Cake
A moist and tender Swiss apple cake featuring fresh apples and lemon zest, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter (Crisco) and sugar in a bowl until fluffy.
- Add grated lemon peel; then add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Sift flour and baking powder together and add to the mixture.
- Add milk gradually, about one tablespoon at a time, and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased round pan.
- Arrange peeled and quartered apples on top of the batter.
- Bake until the cake is golden and cooked through.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of Crisco. If you're out of milk, almond milk or yogurt can be a great substitute. To enhance the lemon flavor, adding a bit of lemon juice can brighten the cake. Make sure to arrange the apples in a circular pattern for an attractive presentation, as they will caramelize nicely during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Zurich Apple Cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a colorful side, serve with zesty buttered peas to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to regain their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zurich Apple Cake contains roughly 1159 calories, with 13g protein, 243g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (56% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 675mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes, you can use any variety of apple that holds its shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Each type will lend a different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite!
What can I do if the cake is too dense?
If the cake turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing or not incorporating enough air into the batter. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly and avoid overmixing after adding the flour. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to help the cake hold together. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of Zurich Apple Cake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).