Apple Cake

Caramelized Apple and Walnut Cake: An Unforgettable Delight

Who doesn’t fondly remember moments spent around the table, when the aroma of baked apples entices the senses? This caramelized apple and walnut cake recipe combines tradition with exquisite taste, offering a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Let’s embark together on the preparation of this quick and simple dessert, perfect for any occasion!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 6-7 apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples for an intense flavor)
- 150 g brown sugar (for a richer caramel and deeper color)
- Plum jam (about 200 g)
- A handful of walnuts (preferably Romanian walnuts for an authentic taste)
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 100 ml milk (can be replaced with almond milk for a vegan option)
- A pinch of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon (for an extra freshness)
- A tablespoon of sugar, cinnamon, rum, and water (about a cup of water for syrup)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the apples: Start by peeling the apples and removing the cores. This step is essential to allow the caramel to penetrate the apples. Choose sweet and firm apples, such as Golden Delicious or Jonagold, which will hold up well during baking.

2. Caramelizing the sugar: In a pan, add the 150 g of brown sugar and let it cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns into a golden caramel. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt caramel can give the cake a bitter taste. Once you have achieved a smooth consistency, pour the caramel into the baking dish, covering both the bottom and the sides.

3. Filling the apples: Place the 6 apples in the baking dish, making sure to fill them with the plum jam and chopped walnuts. This combination will add an explosion of flavors, pairing sweetness with a crunchy note.

4. Preparing the cake mixture: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Add the brown sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix. This technique will ensure an airy and fluffy texture for the cake.

5. Adding wet ingredients: Once the egg whites have reached the desired consistency, add the lemon zest, milk, and oil. Mix well, then add the egg yolks, one at a time, without stopping the mixing.

6. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, gently mixing until well combined. This will prevent lumps from forming and ensure a fine texture for the cake.

7. Baking the cake: Pour the cake mixture over the filled apples, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 40 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Preparing the syrup: While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup by mixing a tablespoon of sugar and cinnamon in a pan. Let them caramelize, then add the water and rum essence. Allow to boil for a few minutes until it becomes a delicious syrup.

9. Cooling the cake: Once the cake is done, let it cool for 30 minutes in the dish, then pour the syrup over it. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

10. Serving: When you are ready to serve, turn the cake onto a plate and decorate it with whipped cream and crushed walnuts. This garnish adds a contrast of texture, making the dessert even more appetizing.

Tips and tricks:
- If you want an extra hint of flavor, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the cake mixture.
- For a healthier option, you can replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic tea for a complete culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, being low in calories, which makes them an ideal ingredient for a dessert. Walnuts add healthy proteins and good fats, contributing to a more complex flavor and delicious texture.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of apples? Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith can add an interesting contrast.
- How can I keep the cake longer? Cover it well with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days.
- Is this cake suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using flax or chia eggs as a substitute for chicken eggs and almond milk instead of regular milk.

Try this caramelized apple and walnut cake recipe, and each slice will bring a smile to your face and fill the house with an inviting aroma! This combination of textures and flavors will turn any meal into a celebration. Enjoy!