Apple and Walnut Cake

Apple and Walnut Cake – A Flavorful Delight

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing an apple and walnut cake, a dessert that combines the aroma of fresh fruits with the crunchy texture of walnuts, all perfectly complemented by caramel. Whether it's a special celebration or just a simple afternoon, this cake is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 8

Ingredients
- 9 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 200 g roasted and chopped walnuts
- 4-5 tablespoons jam syrup (I recommend sour cherry jam for a tangy note)
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 100 g sugar for caramelizing
- 100 ml pineapple compote for soaking
- Whipped cream for decoration

Preparing the Cake

1. Caramelizing the Sugar
Start by caramelizing the 100 g of sugar. Use a non-stick pan so that the sugar doesn’t stick. Pour the sugar into the pan and let it melt over medium heat. It is important not to stir the sugar, just swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even melting. When the sugar turns golden, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. This will form a delicious crust on the bottom of the cake.

2. Preparing the Apples
While the sugar cools, peel the 9 apples and core them using a spoon. Make sure to remove all the core while keeping them intact. In a bowl, mix the roasted and chopped walnuts with the jam syrup. This mixture will be the filling for the apples.

3. Assembling the Cake
Grease the cake pan with butter, then pour the caramelized sugar into the bottom of the pan. Place the apples in the pan, filling them with the walnut and syrup mixture. Now it’s time to prepare the batter.

4. Preparing the Batter
Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a large bowl. Add the 5 tablespoons of sugar and mix well until it becomes a pale, light, and fluffy cream. Incorporate the flour and the baking powder mixed with a little lemon juice. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the vanilla sugar until stiff peaks form. Carefully add the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing the air in the batter.

5. Baking the Cake
Pour the batter over the apples in the pan and place everything in a preheated oven at 180°C. Bake the cake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Finishing the Cake
When the cake is ready, let it cool for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a plate. Allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, soak it with the pineapple compote, which will add a note of freshness. Finally, decorate with whipped cream and, if desired, add a few roasted walnuts as a garnish.

Useful Tips for a Perfect Cake
- Choose the apples carefully: Tart apples, like Granny Smith, offer a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the caramelized sugar and walnuts.
- Roasted walnuts: If you have time, roast the walnuts in a pan for a few minutes before using them. This step will enhance their flavor.
- Delicious variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as raisins or dates, or even add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor.
- Serving: The cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant tea, turning the dessert into a delightful culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits
This apple and walnut cake is not only tasty but also nutritious:
- Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, having beneficial effects on digestion.
- Walnuts are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, contributing to heart health.
- The sugar used for caramelizing and jams can be replaced with natural sweeteners for a healthier version, if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches for a different version, but make sure the fruits are firm.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

3. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by replacing the eggs with a mixture of banana or apple puree, but the result will be different.

Conclusion
This apple and walnut cake is more than just a dessert; it is an invitation to savor moments spent with loved ones. Whether you choose to serve it on a special occasion or simply on an ordinary day, I guarantee it will quickly become everyone’s favorite. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!