Chapter 2: Exploring Scandinavia: Embracing the Cold with Norwegian Eplekake and Indulgent Hot Chocolate

So, the group tour is setting off for Norway next ... And yes, it’s cold! But let’s turn that chill into a chance for some warming treats. Now, I always believe that it's essential to thoroughly explore every cake opportunity, so a huge slice of Norwegian Eplekake & Indulgent Hot Chocolate is the order of the day, a must for any chilly travel itinerary.

Why Norwegian Eplekake?

Norwegian Eplekake, or Norwegian apple cake, is a delicious treat that should be a staple of any winter adventure. Picture this: a moist, fluffy cake packed with juicy, cinnamon-drenched apples. Served warm, it releases an inviting aroma that fills the room, warming both heart and home.

Benefits of Baking Eplekake

• Simple Ingredients: This dessert shines with minimal, common ingredients. You only need flour, sugar, eggs, and, importantly, fresh apples. It’s straightforward and fun to make at home.

  
  

• Cinnamon Delight: Cinnamon not only enhances the flavour but also brings a cosy feel—ideal for cold winter days.

  
  

• Versatility: You can serve eplekake plain, or top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, customizing it to your taste.

  
  

The Ultimate Indulgent Hot Chocolate Experience

Now, let’s talk about indulgent hot chocolate. Since this is an imaginary holiday, we can indulge guilt-free! Imagine this: a whole melted bar of Lindt chocolate whisked into warm milk, mixed with half a tin of condensed milk. It’s pure comfort in a cup!

But, we're not stopping there! One of my absolute favourite hot chocolate toppings is Hotel Chocolat's whipped chocolate cream ... After spending time in a queue trying to convince a very reluctant server to part with the recipe, I think I have cracked a pretty fair duplicate. Even though this version won't float on top unless you have a whipped cream dispenser, my kids love stirring in a big spoonful of this luscious whipped chocolate cream. Watching it melt adds a delightful twist to the drink, making it a special treat.

Recipes You'll Need For Norwegian Eplekake & Indulgent Hot Chocolate

Here are the recipes for both Eplekake and indulgent hot chocolate. Perfect for cosy evenings at home or to impress your friends during the winter season!

Norwegian Eplekake (Apple Cake) Recipe

1. Ingredients:

   • Apple filling

     • 4 apples

     • 3 tablespoon sugar

     • 2 tablespoon cinnamon

     
     

   • Cake batter

     • 200 g butter

     • 200 g sugar

     • 4 eggs

     • 170 g all-purpose flour

     • 1 teaspoon baking powder

     
     

   • Method

     • Heat the oven to 180°C

     • Peel the apples and remove the cores. Cut them into thin wedges. Place in a bowl or plastic bag, and coat with 3 tablespoon sugar and 2 tablespoon cinnamon. Stir or shake to coat the apples evenly.

     • In a mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar with an electric whisk until creamy.

     • Add the eggs one at a time, and whisk in between.

     • Through a sieve, add the flour and baking powder to the batter.

     • Carefully use a spatula or spoon to mix the flour with the wet ingredients. Careful not to overmix.

     • Using a 22 cm springform tin, add a baking sheet to the bottom, and grease the sides of the tin.

     • Add half the batter to the tin, and place the apple wedges with the thin sides down in circles to completely cover the bottom of the tin.

     • Add the second half of the batter over the apples, and repeat with the remaining apples.

     • Bake in the oven for 50 min to 1 hour. To check if the cake is done, insert a metal skewer to the middle and see if it comes out clean. If there is not batter on the skewer, the cake is ready to come out.

     • Leave the cake to rest for at least 10 minutes, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or custard.

   
   
   
   

   

   
   
   
   

Indulgent Hot Chocolate Recipe

1. Ingredients:

   • 1 whole bar of Lindt chocolate

   • 2 cups milk

   • 1/2 cup condensed milk

   • Whipped chocolate cream (optional)

   
   

2. Method:

   • Heat the milk in a saucepan without boiling.

   • Break the Lindt chocolate into pieces and stir it into the warm milk.

   • Add the condensed milk and mix until smooth and creamy.

   • Top with whipped chocolate cream if desired.

   
   
   
   

   

   
   

Whipped Chocolate Cream Recipe

Whip together:

300mls of double cream

2 tbsp of icing sugar

2 tbsp of cocoa powder

2 tbsp of condensed milk

Can't wait to see everyone on the tour bus in 10 ... Norway, here we come!!