Apricot cake with vanilla cream is a delightful and light dessert that combines the soft texture of cake with the sweet, tangy flavor of apricots. The creamy vanilla filling adds a rich and smooth layer between the delicate cake layers, making it a perfect balance of fruity and creamy flavors. This cake is not only beautiful to look at but also a treat to enjoy during any occasion.
This recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any complex baking techniques, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet dessert, this apricot cake is sure to impress.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in the Apricots
Gently fold in the chopped apricots. This will distribute the apricot pieces evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every bite of cake has a delicious fruit flavor.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch during whipping. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
Chill the Cream
Place the whipped vanilla cream in the fridge to chill while you prepare the cake layers. This will help it hold its shape when spread on the cake.
Slice the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, use a serrated knife to slice it in half horizontally, creating two equal layers.
Spread the Vanilla Cream
Take the chilled vanilla cream filling and spread a generous amount on the bottom layer of the cake. Use a spatula to smooth it evenly.
Top with the Second Layer
Carefully place the second layer of cake on top of the cream, pressing down gently to help it stick.
Decorate with Apricot Slices
Arrange the thin slices of fresh apricot on top of the cake in a decorative pattern. This will add a beautiful touch and enhance the flavor with more fresh fruit.
Optional: Dust with Powdered Sugar
For a finishing touch, you can dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar, adding a delicate sweetness and a polished appearance.
Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to allow the cream to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice.
Serve
Once chilled, slice the cake into wedges and serve. The rich vanilla cream filling and the sweet, tart apricots make each bite a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Use Other Fruit
While this recipe uses apricots, feel free to experiment with other fruits such as peaches, nectarines, or plums. Any stone fruit would work well in this cake.
Add a Drizzle
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top of the cake before serving.
Make It Gluten-Free
To make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the ratio and adjust accordingly.
Chill the Cake Layers
If you have time, you can refrigerate the cake layers separately before assembling the cake. This makes it easier to spread the cream and assemble the cake neatly.
Apricots
Apricots are a good source of vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin and immune function. They are also rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber.
Vanilla
Vanilla has antioxidant properties and is known for its calming effects, making it a soothing addition to desserts.
Homemade Cake
Homemade cakes allow you to control the ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives, making them a healthier option compared to store-bought cakes.
Apricot cake with vanilla cream is a delicious and elegant dessert that perfectly combines the flavors of fresh apricots with a smooth, creamy filling. The soft, buttery cake and the bright, fruity apricot slices make it a treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or enjoying a quiet afternoon, this cake will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Try this recipe today and delight in the rich, fruity flavors of apricot and vanilla in every bite!
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