Apple and Quince Cake

Enjoy a special recipe that combines the enticing flavors of apples and quinces, resulting in a delicious cake with a crunchy biscuit base and a fine cream, a true indulgence for any occasion! This apple and quince cake is perfect to be savored in the company of loved ones, at a festive table, or simply as a refined dessert after dinner. Its preparation is simple, and the final result will surely impress everyone. I will provide you with all the necessary details to achieve a perfect dessert, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes plus a few hours of cooling
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients
*For the base:*
- 150 g biscuits (you can use digestive or chocolate biscuits)
- 125 g butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

*For the filling:*
- 1 kg apples (peeled and sliced)
- 500 g quinces (peeled and chopped)
- 200 g sugar
- 70 g butter
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 400 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 200 g whipped cream (beaten)
- 1 packet of gelatin (hydrated in cold water)

Step by step for the recipe

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. In a bowl, grind the biscuits until they become a fine powder. You can use a food processor or put them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. Add the powdered sugar and melted butter over the biscuits and mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous.
3. Place the biscuit mixture in a springform pan, pressing down well with a spoon to create an even layer. This crunchy layer will be a delicious base for the apple and quince cream.
4. Put the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to harden.

Step 2: Preparing the apple and quince filling
1. In a large pot, add the sliced apples, quinces, 150 g of sugar, 50 g of butter, and put the pot over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the fruits start to soften but do not break down (about 10-15 minutes).
2. Add the cinnamon and vanilla, mixing well. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. In another pot, hydrate the gelatin in cold water, then dissolve it over a double boiler. After the apple filling has cooled, add the dissolved gelatin and mix well.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Pour the apple and quince filling over the biscuit layer in the pan. Place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes to set the filling.
2. In the meantime, prepare the cream: in a large bowl, mix the whipped cream with the cream cheese until you obtain a fluffy mixture. Add the remaining apple and quince puree (if you have any), along with the hydrated gelatin.
3. Mix everything well, then pour the cream over the apple filling in the pan. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Serving the cake
1. Once set, you can decorate the cake with caramel sauce or fresh apple slices. An interesting idea is to add some toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
2. Cut the cake into squares and serve with a glass of sweet wine or an aromatic tea.

Practical tips
- Use fresh apples and quinces for a perfect taste. You can experiment with different types of apples, such as tart or sweet ones, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use a natural sweetener.
- Gelatin can be replaced with agar-agar for a vegetarian version.

Nutritional information
This cake has a moderate calorie content, due to the use of apples and quinces, which are rich in fiber and vitamins. A serving contains approximately 250 calories, but this can vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other fruits instead of apples and quinces? Yes, you can experiment with peaches, plums, or pears, adjusting the sugar amounts according to their sweetness.
- How do I store the cake? You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh, within the first 2 days.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese, but it will require testing to achieve the desired consistency.

I hope this captivating recipe inspires you to bring your apple and quince cake to the festive table! It is a dessert that not only looks good but also offers an unmistakable taste, perfect for impressing your guests. Enjoy!