Apple cake with burnt sugar cream

Apple Cake with Caramel Cream: A Refreshing Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Who doesn't love an apple cake, soaked and fragrant, that brings a touch of nostalgia? This recipe for apple cake with caramel cream is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The origins of this recipe are lost in the mists of time, being a beloved dessert in many cultures, where seasonal fruits are celebrated with every slice savored.

Ingredients:

- 3 large apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples)
- 8 fresh eggs
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 500 ml whole milk
- 14 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust the amount for a sweeter cream and a more soaked base)
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 vanilla essence (or a vanilla pod, if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- Whipped cream for decoration (optional, but recommended for an elegant look)

Step 1: Preparing the Caramel Cream

1. Caramelize the Sugar: In a cake pan, add 4 tablespoons of sugar. Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes golden and liquid. Be careful, as the sugar can burn quickly! Once caramelized, spread it evenly on the walls of the pan and let it cool until it becomes firm. This will become the delicious base of your cake.

Step 2: Preparing the Apples

2. Prepare the Apples: Peel the apples and cut them in half. Place them in the caramelized pan with the hollow side facing up. In each hollow of the apples, put a small piece of butter. This will add extra flavor and help caramelize the fruits. Sprinkle two tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon over the apples for an aromatic and enticing taste.

3. Bake the Apples: Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for 20 minutes, until the apples become soft and the flavors intertwine.

Step 3: Preparing the Caramel Cream

4. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, beat 5 eggs until frothy. Add the milk, 5 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla essence, continuing to mix. It is essential that all ingredients are well incorporated to obtain a smooth cream.

5. Pour the Cream Over the Apples: Once the apples are baked, pour the egg and milk mixture over the apples in the pan. Carefully cover so that the apples remain in the center of the pan.

6. Bake the Cake: Put everything back in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the caramel cream becomes firm and nicely browned.

Step 4: Preparing the Sponge Base

7. Prepare the Sponge Cake Batter: In the last 10 minutes of baking the cream, prepare a simple sponge cake batter. Beat 3 eggs with 3 tablespoons of sugar until you obtain an airy mixture. Gradually add 3 tablespoons of flour, gently mixing to avoid losing air in the mixture.

8. Add the Sponge Cake: Once the cream is well set, pour the sponge cake batter over the caramel cream. Ensure it is evenly distributed.

9. Finish Baking: Leave the cake in the oven for another 20-25 minutes, or until the base is browned and passes the toothpick test.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

10. Cooling: After the cake is baked, let it cool in its form for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a platter, keeping the baking pan on top of the cake to allow the caramel to melt over it.

11. Refrigerator: Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight, to soak well and develop maximum flavor.

12. Decoration: Before serving, carefully remove the baking pan. Decorate with whipped cream and, if desired, you can add some caramelized apple cubes for a more sophisticated look.

Useful Tips:

- Choosing Apples: Choose sweet apples, such as Golden Delicious or Gala, which caramelize perfectly and add sweetness to the cake.
- Caramelized Sugar: If you want a sweeter cake, you can add more sugar to the caramel cream.
- Dairy-Free Version: You can replace the milk with almond or coconut milk for a vegan version of this cake.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with fruit tea or espresso coffee. Vanilla ice cream can also be an excellent accompaniment!

Nutritional Benefits:

The apple cake with caramel cream combines delicious taste with nutritional benefits. Apples are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to immune system health. Eggs and milk provide essential proteins, and sugar, although consumed in moderation, brings a quick energy boost.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with peaches, plums, or even strawberries, adjusting the baking time according to the fruits used.
2. How can I store the cake? The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.
3. Is this cake suitable for special occasions? Absolutely! It is an excellent choice for birthdays or family gatherings due to its stunning appearance and refined taste.

This apple cake with caramel cream is not just a recipe but a culinary experience. Each slice is an invitation to savor the moment, bringing family and friends together around the table. So, don't hesitate to try it and share this delicacy with your loved ones!