Marillenkuchen: A Delightful Austrian Apricot Cake for Summer Enjoyment

Marillenkuchen, a cherished Austrian dessert, captures the essence of summer with its exquisite blend of flavors.

This traditional cake features a luscious combination of tender cake base and succulent fresh apricots, delivering a moist and sweet delight that epitomizes the season.

Marillenkuchen is a versatile treat, perfect as a standalone dessert or paired with whipped cream for a touch of decadence. 

Whether enjoyed during afternoon tea or as a sweet snack, this classic creation embodies the joy of summer in every mouthwatering slice.

Ingredients:

1- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

3- 2 teaspoons baking powder

4- 1/4 teaspoon salt

5- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

6- 2 large eggs

7- 1/2 cup milk

8- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

9- 12 fresh apricots, pitted and sliced

Instructions:

1- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) cake pan and set it aside.

2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract, and beating well after each addition.

5- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and arrange the apricot slices on top of the batter.

6- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8- Serve the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Notes:

1- If you don't have fresh apricots, you can use canned or frozen apricots instead.

2- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 4g

Here's the approximate nutritional information for each ingredient in the recipe, based on standard nutritional values:

1/2 cups all-purpose flour:

  - Calories: About 600 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 126g

  - Protein: About 15g

  - Fat: About 1g

  - Sodium: About 10mg

benefits:

• Source of Carbohydrates: Flour provides a significant amount of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.
• Dietary Fiber: Although not as high in fiber as whole grain flours, all-purpose flour still contains some fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity.

1/2 cup granulated sugar:

  - Calories: About 387 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 100g

  - Protein: About 0g

  - Fat: About 0g

  - Sodium: About 0mg

benefits:

• Quick Energy: Sugar provides a quick boost of energy due to its high glycemic index.
• Flavor Enhancement: Sugar adds sweetness and enhances the taste of baked goods.
• Carbohydrates: It's a source of carbohydrates, which fuel the body for various activities.

2 teaspoons baking powder:

  - Calories: About 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 1g

  - Protein: About 0g

  - Fat: About 0g

  - Sodium: About 1110mg

benefits:

• Leavening Agent: Baking powder helps baked goods rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas when combined with moisture and heat.
• Texture Improvement: It contributes to the light and airy texture of cakes and muffins.

1/4 teaspoon salt:

  - Calories: About 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 0g

  - Protein: About 0g

  - Fat: About 0g

  - Sodium: About 581mg

benefits:

• Flavor Enhancement: Salt enhances the flavor of baked goods by balancing sweetness and enhancing other flavors.
• Electrolyte Balance: It helps maintain proper electrolyte balance in the body, which is essential for nerve and muscle function.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened:

  - Calories: About 814 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.6g

  - Protein: About 1g

  - Fat: About 92g

  - Sodium: About 4mg

benefits:

• Rich Flavor: Butter adds richness and flavor to baked goods.
• Source of Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Butter contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are important for various bodily functions.
• Caloric Energy: It provides a concentrated source of calories for energy.

2 large eggs:

  - Calories: About 140 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 1g

  - Protein: About 12g

  - Fat: About 10g

  - Sodium: About 140mg

benefits:

• Protein: Eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Eggs contain various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium.
• Choline: Eggs are a good source of choline, which is important for brain health and development.

1/2 cup milk:

  - Calories: About 30 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 2.5g

  - Protein: About 1.5g

  - Fat: About 1g

  - Sodium: About 25mg

benefits:

• Calcium: Milk is a primary source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and muscle function.
• Protein: It provides high-quality protein necessary for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins: Milk is a source of vitamins A and D, important for vision, immune function, and bone health.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

  - Calories: About 12 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 0.5g

  - Protein: About 0g

  - Fat: About 0g

  - Sodium: About 0mg

benefits:

• Flavor Enhancement: Vanilla extract adds a rich, aromatic flavor to baked goods.
• Antioxidant Properties: It contains small amounts of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

12 fresh apricots, pitted and sliced:

  - Calories: About 48 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 11g

  - Protein: About 1g

  - Fat: About 0g

  - Sodium: About 0mg

benefits:

• Vitamins and Minerals: Apricots are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.
• Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene, which help protect cells from damage.
• Digestive Health: The fiber in apricots aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brands of ingredients used and any variations in portion sizes.

Overall, Marillenkuchen is a delightful cake that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist cake and fresh apricots is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more.