• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cooking in my Genes

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Gatherings
  • Free E-Cookbook
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy

Teacups, Grandmas and Apple Sponge Cake

October 1, 2017 By Jess 5 Comments

  • 7
  • 3
Apple Sponge Cake
Apple Sponge Cake
Apple Sponge Cake
Apple Sponge Cake
Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

So here’s a little story about a teacup collection, grandmothers and a delicious apple sponge cake.

Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

A couple of months ago I was chatting with my friend Clare and we realized we had fond memories of having tea and coffee with our grandma’s, always over delicious baked goods.

Clare mentioned that her and her Great-Grandmother had a tradition when she would go over to visit that involved teacups. Given my love for pretty serving pieces that I love to use, I had to know more!

We got together one afternoon and over my Oma’s Apple Sponge Cake, I chatted with Clare about her memories while I photographed her amazing antique teacup collection.

Having both an English Grandmother and Great-Grandmother it only made sense she’d have a love for all things tea!

As a child Clare spent days and nights with her Great-Grandmother, learning to quilt, sew and taking several tea and cookie breaks in between. Each time when she would leave her Great-Grandmother’s house she was allowed to pick one tea cup from the china hutch, to take home and begin her own collection.

Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

The collection is comprised of family heirlooms from New Brunswick that were brought across country when the family moved and lots of fun colourful pieces that were acquired over the years – creating this lovely backdrop for endless entertaining possibilities.

Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

As you can see, Clare has this amazing collection of teacups that carry such special memories and whenever she uses one of those teacups, she can be transported back to those lovely afternoons with her Great-Grandmother.

Teacups, Grandma's and Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

For me, seeing Clare’s collection reminded me a lot about my Oma (German grandma).  A tradition that I can remember since I was very young was having ‘coffee’ around 3-3:30PM every afternoon which involved everyone sitting down, enjoying coffee from teacups and of course a delicious baked good.

Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

That is where this simple Apple Sponge Cake comes in as its a cake I remember having at ‘coffee’ and its the perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea.  It’s a light sponge with a buttery outer crust that forms from baking the cake in a springform pan. Plus the apples add the perfect sweetness and you can top this cake with either an apricot jam glaze or simply icing sugar.

Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

Total time: 75 minutes (30 minutes preparation, 45 minutes baking)
Servings: 10-12
Equipment: springform pan, electric mixer

Ingredients:

2 large apples (i.e. Gala), peeled and each sliced into about 16 slices
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 tsp lemon zest
3 eggs
2 cups all- purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp milk
2 tbsp butter, melted

For the topping you simply sprinkle icing sugar over the cake once cooked OR make the apricot topping:
2 tbsp apricot jam
1 tbsp water

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350F and butter the springform pan.

Peel the apples and cut each apple into about 16 slices. Set the apples aside.

For the sponge cake, use an electric mixer or hand-mixer with a whisk attachment.  Whisk the soft butter for 2 minutes on medium speed.

Add the sugar, vanilla extract, salt and lemon zest, whisking for 2 minutes on medium speed until you obtain a smoothie mixture, scraping the sides of your mixing bowl as needed.

Whisk in the eggs one at a time, mixing for about 30 seconds on high speed after you add each egg.

In a separate bowl, mix together your flour and baking powder.

Then, add the flour mixture into the mixture in two instalments, alternating with the milk, whisking on medium speed briefly after each addition (flour-mix-milk-mix-flour-mix-milk-mix).  You will have a mixture that is more like a dough than a batter once all is combined.

Transfer the mixture into the springform pan and smooth the top to make it even.

Arrange the apples in two circles on the sponge cake mixture. Then melt the 2 tbsp of butter and pour the melted butter over the apples.

Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

Put the cake in the bottom third of the even to bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

As the cake is getting close to being done mix the 2 tbsp apricot jam with 1 tbsp water in a small pan. Bring to a boil and then immediately remove from the heat.

As soon as you take the cake out of the oven, pour the apricot jam mixture over the cake.

Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

Then, release and remove the ring part of the pan. Loosen the cake away from the bottom of the pan, then leave to cool on a wire rack.

Alternately, if you don’t use the apricot jam mixture as a topping when the cake has cooled sprinkle the top with icing sugar.

Apple Sponge Cake | cookinginmygenes.com

Then, enjoy a piece of this delicious cake with a cup of tea or coffee and family or friends!

This cake is best enjoyed within two days of baking.

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
  • 7
  • 3

Filed Under: Dessert, Family Recipes, Family Stories Tagged With: apple, apples, cake, coffee, tea

Previous Post: « Feast Portland – A Bloggers’ Travel Diary
Next Post: Prosciutto Parmesan Brussels Sprouts »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Denise from UrbnSpice

    October 2, 2017 at 11:55 am

    What lovely memories you have written about with your grandmother. Your cake is made with love – you can always tell :).

    Reply
    • Jess

      October 2, 2017 at 9:43 pm

      Thank you Denise for the recipe love! And its very true, the cake is definitely made with love and all of the memories we shared 🙂

      Reply
  2. Mary Seberger

    October 2, 2017 at 9:03 am

    Great stories Jess and Clare! I have a beautiful batch of tea cups too.

    Reply
    • Jess

      October 2, 2017 at 9:42 pm

      Thank you Mary! Loved being able to share our grandmother stories 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. What's in Season - Monthly Favourites - November recipes 2019 says:
    August 19, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    […] Apples: Apple Sponge Cake […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About me

Welcome to Cooking in my Genes. I share my take on recipes I grew up with, foodie adventures & my kitchen creations. About me…

Claim Your Free E-Book Now!

Receive email updates and
my FREE e-cookbook with
6 simple & seasonal recipes.

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Looking for a recipe?

Sidebar Ad

Recent Posts

  • Easy Herb Drop Biscuits
  • What’s In Season – Recipes to Make in April
  • Simple & Easy Turkey Tacos

Recent Comments

  • Jess on Easy Healthy Baked Lemon Chicken
  • Jess on One Bowl Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Andrea Baker on One Bowl Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Archives

Categories

Footer

INSTA-GRATIFICATION

⁠I am all about fresh, crunchy salads and using ⁠I am all about fresh, crunchy salads and using seasonal ingredients, so I'm making this Spring Vegetable Salad today!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
I love to visit the farmers' market to pick up produce. Asparagus, peas and pea shoots bring this salad to life and it makes the perfect lunch or side salad for dinner.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Recipe is linked in my bio friends⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#springsalad #seasonalproduce #farmersmarket⁠⁠
#ad Weekend brunch is here and I’m making this S #ad Weekend brunch is here and I’m making this SPRINGTIME FRITTATA with ingredients from my online grocery order from @mycnf ! Simple ingredients, fresh greens & herbs and some delicious local bread on the side - this is PERFECT to enjoy anytime this weekend.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
8 eggs
⅓ cup milk
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup ricotta
1/2 tsp salt
ground pepper
½ cup diced onions (about half small onion)
2 cups packed greens (arugula)
1/4 cup chopped herbs (mix of 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 2 tbsp chopped chives or dill)
1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350F and place a 10 inch skillet on the stovetop. 
2. Whisk eggs, milk, ricotta, salt and pepper together and set aside.
3. Prep other ingredients: dice onions, measure out herbs and greens.
4. Add 3 tbsp oil to pan, saute onions for 5-7 minutes on medium heat to soften.
5. Stir in greens & herbs and just wilt greens - cook about 1 minute.
6. Pour the eggs & milk mixture into the pan, stir and then cook until the edges of the frittata just start to pull away, about 5-7 minutes. 
7. Top with parmesan cheese and then transfer to the oven and bake to set, about 15-18 minutes.
8. Top with microgreens and serve with a side of bread & butter.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
**If you want to check out online grocery delivery with Community Natural Foods, use my code JESS21 for free shipping!
•
•
•
#weekendbrunch #frittata #eggsforbreakfast
Happy Weekend!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ The weather is looking Happy Weekend!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
The weather is looking good this weekend and this Grapefruit Lavender Spring Blossom Cocktail makes for a simple and beautiful sip for the springtime.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
The natural tartness of the grapefruit is very refreshing, and when paired with a touch of lavender it’s a beautiful harmony of flavours.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Recipe linked in bio friends⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#springcocktails #gincocktails #cocktailrecipe⁠⁠
#ad If there’s one thing that’s made life easi #ad If there’s one thing that’s made life easier this past year is ordering groceries online from one of my favourite local stores! @mycnf Community Natural Foods was the first health food store I found when I moved to Calgary 13 years ago and it’s still a staple for me to this day. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
SO recently I checked out their online grocery store to stock up on ingredients for a favourite weekend recipe - a SPRINGTIME FRITTATA! Stay tuned as I will be sharing the recipe this Saturday!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
P.S. Want to check out their online ordering & local Calgary delivery?! Use code JESS21 for free shipping! Some of my other fav items to pickup are: almond milk, nuts & seeds, local breads & fresh vegetables. 
•
•
•
#supportlocalyyc #groceryhaul #frittata #breakfastrecipes
Try this One-Pan Baked Chicken with Tomatoes and O Try this One-Pan Baked Chicken with Tomatoes and Oregano for dinner tonight!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
We are starting to see more tomatoes at the market and they are perfect baked with chicken, oregano and an olive oil-lemon for a seriously flavourful dish.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
And one-pan means less clean-up!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Don't forget to save this post, recipe linked in bio friends⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#onepandinner #chickendinner #easydinner⁠⁠
Start your week with this Green Tropical Smoothie, Start your week with this Green Tropical Smoothie, it's a little tropical escape in a glass!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
It's one of my fav smoothies for breakfast or a snack and it's a great way to get some extra greens in. I added a whole cup of spinach and you can't even taste it!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
*save this post*⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Here's the recipe:⁠⁠
⁠⁠
INGREDIENTS⁠⁠
1/2 banana⁠⁠
1 cup spinach or another leafy green like kale⁠⁠
1 1/2 cup frozen mango or pineapple (or a combination of both)⁠⁠
2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut use sweetened if that's all you have⁠⁠
juice of half a lime⁠⁠
1 1/2 cups coconut milk almond milk or coconut water work too⁠⁠
⁠⁠
INSTRUCTIONS⁠⁠
Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend on high until combined, about 1-2 minutes.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Enjoy!⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#smoothierecipes #tropicalsmoothie #greensmoothies⁠⁠
{new recipe} Easy Herb Drop Biscuits are made for {new recipe} Easy Herb Drop Biscuits are made for Sunday baking!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These tender & fluffy biscuits are made in just one bowl and speckled with fresh rosemary & thyme. Mix them up, drop them on a baking tray and pop them in the oven for just under 20 minutes. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Make them for breakfast, brunch or dinner. And enjoy with a spread of butter!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Recipe linked in bio
•
•
•
#dropbiscuits #bakingfromscratch #sundaybaking
These Saskatoon Berry Lemon Scones are THE most po These Saskatoon Berry Lemon Scones are THE most popular on the blog!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
If you are looking for a delicious baking project for the weekend, try these out! If you don’t have access to Saskatoon berries, try blueberries – they will be just as delicious.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
What are you baking this weekend?⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Recipe linked in bio friends!⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠
#berryscones #scone #bakedfromscratch⁠⁠
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · CookinginmyGenes.com

  • 7
  • 3