Jewish apple cake

A traditional Jewish dessert

A slice of Jewish apple cake

Jewish apple cake is a traditional cake originating from the Jewish culinary tradition. It is a dense, moist cake made with apples, often associated with Ashkenazi Jews and popular in the United States, particularly in the Northeast.

Ingredients and Preparation

Jewish apple cake is typically made with a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and baking powder. The cake is flavored with vanilla extract and sometimes cinnamon. The apples used are usually Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which are known for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking.

The preparation involves layering slices of apples within the batter, creating a marbled effect. The cake is often baked in a Bundt pan or a tube pan, which gives it a distinctive ring shape. The use of oil instead of butter makes the cake pareve, meaning it contains neither dairy nor meat, adhering to kosher dietary laws.

Cultural Significance

Jewish apple cake is traditionally served during Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as during Shabbat meals. Its pareve status makes it suitable for serving after a meat meal, in accordance with kosher dietary restrictions.

The cake is also popular in Jewish delis and bakeries, where it is often sold by the slice. It is appreciated for its moist texture and the balance of sweet and tart flavors provided by the apples.

Variations

While the classic Jewish apple cake recipe is quite simple, variations exist that incorporate additional ingredients such as nuts, raisins, or coconut. Some recipes may also include a glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for added sweetness.

Related pages

• Jewish cuisine
• Ashkenazi Jews
• Kosher food
• Rosh Hashanah
• Shabbat