Layered Apple and Kefir Charlotte Cake

This apple and kefir charlotte is a home-style cake with a moist crumb and soft slices of fruit. The original formula combines three eggs with sugar, kefir, flour and baking powder, then layers apple pieces through the batter. Use tart-sweet apples that will retain some shape during baking, and cut them to a similar thickness so they soften evenly. Beat the eggs and sugar until lightly foamy before adding the kefir, then fold in the dry ingredients without mixing for longer than necessary. Layer half the batter with apples and finish with the remaining batter and fruit. A skewer inserted through the cake, away from an apple slice, should come out without wet batter. Leave the cake in its tin for ten minutes before moving it to a rack.

Helpful tips

• Use apples that hold their shape when baked.
• Slice fruit evenly for consistent texture.
• Fold flour in just until combined.
• Avoid opening the oven in the first 25 minutes.

Serving ideas

• Serve a warm slice with tea.
• Offer plain yogurt alongside.
• Dust cool slices lightly with icing sugar.
• Pair with unsweetened coffee.

Variation

The original describes an optional caramelized apple topping cooked separately with one tablespoon butter and two tablespoons sugar before layering.

Make ahead

Bake earlier in the day, cool fully and dust with icing sugar just before serving.

Storage

Cover cooled cake and keep for up to 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate longer and use within 4 days.

Ingredients and directions

Frequently asked questions

Why is the center wet?

Check with a skewer through cake rather than an apple slice; bake a little longer if batter clings.

How should I store apple and kefir charlotte cake?

Cover cooled cake and keep for up to 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate longer and use within 4 days.

How to tell when it is ready

Cake is set in the center and a skewer away from fruit shows no wet batter.

Tips

• Use apples that hold their shape when baked.
• Slice fruit evenly for consistent texture.
• Fold flour in just until combined.
• Avoid opening the oven in the first 25 minutes.

Troubleshooting

• Use apples that hold their shape when baked.
• Slice fruit evenly for consistent texture.

Variations

• The original describes an optional caramelized apple topping cooked separately with one tablespoon butter and two tablespoons sugar before layering.

Serving suggestions

• Serve a warm slice with tea.
• Offer plain yogurt alongside.
• Dust cool slices lightly with icing sugar.
• Pair with unsweetened coffee.

Make ahead

Bake earlier in the day, cool fully and dust with icing sugar just before serving.

Storage

Cover cooled cake and keep for up to 2 days at room temperature, or refrigerate longer and use within 4 days.

Serve apple and kefir charlotte cake according to the doneness and storage notes above.