Apple cake with whipped cream

Apple and Whipped Cream Cake – a delicacy that combines the sweet flavor of apples with the creamy texture of whipped cream and a crunchy meringue topping. This recipe is inspired by a magazine article and has been lovingly adapted to suit personal tastes and preferences. Whether it's for a special occasion or simply a relaxing Sunday, this cake is sure to become a star on your table!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 100 g butter or margarine, melted
- 150 g fructose or 200 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g flour
- 80 ml milk
- A pinch of baking powder

For the apple cream:
- 1 kg apples (preferably sweet and sour varieties)
- 1 vanilla pudding
- 400 ml apple juice or water
- 5 tablespoons fructose or sugar, to taste

For the whipped cream:
- 400 ml unsweetened whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons fructose
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 15 g almonds, chopped or flaked

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the base
- Separating the eggs: Start by separating the eggs. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another.
- Beating the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base.
- Preparing the mixture: In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the fructose (or sugar), vanilla, and melted butter. Mix well until you have a smooth mixture. Then, gradually incorporate the milk and flour mixed with baking powder.
- Incorporating the egg whites: Using a spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate them.
- Baking: Pour the mixture into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes or until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test.

2. Preparing the apple cream
- Peeling the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. It's important to choose sweet and sour apples to add a pleasant contrast to the flavor.
- Cooking the apples: Place the apple cubes in a saucepan, add the apple juice or water and fructose. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften.
- Thickening the cream: Dissolve the vanilla pudding in a little cold water and add it to the cooked apples, stirring continuously. Let it cook for a few minutes until the mixture becomes a smooth paste with the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more apple juice or water to reach the ideal consistency.
- Cooling: Once the cream is ready, let it cool completely.

3. Preparing the whipped cream
- Whipping the cream: In a cold bowl, add the whipping cream, fructose, and vanilla. Beat with a mixer until the cream becomes firm and has an airy texture. It’s preferable to use cream with a high fat content for a more stable whipped cream.
- Chilling: Place the whipped cream in the refrigerator until the cake is assembled.

4. Assembling the cake
- Cutting the base: Once the base has cooled completely, carefully cut it in half.
- Adding the fillings: Place the first half of the base on a serving platter. Spread the apple cream over it, followed by a generous layer of whipped cream. This layer of whipped cream will add creaminess and balance the tartness of the apples.
- Finishing: Place the other half of the base on top and dust a little powdered sugar over the cake for an elegant look.

Practical Tips
- Choose apples carefully: Sweet and sour apples are ideal for achieving a balanced flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are excellent.
- Using fructose: If you want a healthier option, fructose is a good choice, but you can also opt for regular sugar, depending on your preferences.
- Serving suggestion: The cake can be served with a caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will perfectly complement the dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I keep the cake fresh? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with peaches, plums, or even berries for a different variation.

Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 4 g

This apple and whipped cream cake is more than just a dessert; it's a recipe that brings together the nostalgic taste of baked apples with a light meringue and delicious whipped cream. Each slice will remind you of moments spent in the kitchen, bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful experience!