Apple Cake

Apple Cake - A Delicious Story

When it comes to desserts, few can rival an apple cake. It evokes childhood memories, when the aroma of baked apples filled the entire house, and each slice was pure joy. Today's recipe is not just a simple cake; it's a combination of flavors, textures, and emotions. Whether it's a special celebration or a gathering with loved ones, this cake will always be a guaranteed success. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total: 80 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

For the filling:
- 6 large apples (preferably sweet varieties like Golden or Gala)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 100 g ground walnuts
- 50 g raisins
- 1-2 tablespoons rum (optional)

For the batter:
- 5 large eggs
- 5 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the glaze:
- 300 ml liquid cream

For decoration:
- Caramelized nuts (about 100 g)

Preparing the cake:

1. Prepare the apples: Start by peeling the apples and removing the core, leaving them intact. This process is essential, so make sure each apple is well cleaned. If you want, you can cut a little off the bottom to make them more stable.

2. The filling: In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts, raisins, rum, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This filling will give your apples a special flavor. Fill each apple with this mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling won’t fall out during baking.

3. Preparing the pan: Grease a round pan with butter, making sure it is well covered to prevent the cake from sticking. Place the filled apples in the pan, leaving a little space between them to allow air to circulate.

4. Baking the apples: Sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon over the apples and place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes. During this time, the apples will soften and take on a delicious aroma.

5. Preparing the batter: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with half of the sugar until creamy and they change color. Gradually add the sifted flour, baking powder, and cinnamon in three parts, mixing gently to avoid lumps.

6. Beating the egg whites: Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff. When they become firm, add the remaining sugar along with the lemon juice, continuing to beat until you achieve a glossy meringue.

7. Incorporating the egg whites: Add some of the egg whites to the yolk mixture and gently mix with a wooden spoon. Then, add the remaining egg whites and fold delicately to preserve the air in the meringue.

8. Assembling the cake: Remove the apples from the oven and carefully pour the batter over them. Make sure to cover the apples evenly with the dough. Bake the cake for another 30 minutes, or until the batter is golden and firm.

9. Preparing the glaze: While the cake is baking, you can prepare the cream. Whip the liquid cream until it thickens, then place it in the fridge to cool.

10. Caramelizing the nuts: In a pan, caramelize the nuts with sugar. Be careful, as the sugar can burn quickly. Once it turns a light brown caramel, add the nuts and stir to coat them evenly. Turn them out onto baking paper to cool.

11. Finishing the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven. Use a knife to loosen the edges from the sides of the pan, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate. Cover it with a towel to cool completely.

12. Serving: When the cake is completely cooled, the syrup can be optional, depending on your preferences. Decorate with whipped cream and caramelized nuts. It’s time to enjoy this apple cake, which will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Helpful tip: If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can serve the cake with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. This cake also pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
- Absolutely! Pears or peaches are excellent alternatives.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and the cake batter.

3. Can I prepare the cake in advance?
- Yes, the cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, but it’s delicious fresh.

Nutritional benefits: Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while nuts provide essential fatty acids and proteins. This cake is not only delicious but also a healthier option compared to many other desserts.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put on your apron and get cooking! The apple cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a story to pass on. Enjoy!