Apple caramel cream dessert cake

Caramelized Apple Cake – A Perfect Delicacy for the Feast of St. Michael and St. Gabriel

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Welcome to our kitchen! Today we will prepare a caramelized apple cake, a traditional recipe that brings a touch of warmth and joy to every festive table. This simple and delicious dessert is ideal for celebrating St. Michael and St. Gabriel, perfect for enjoying with friends and family. Whether you are making it for the first time or are an experienced chef, I will guide you step by step to achieve the perfect apple cake.

A Brief History: Apple cake is not just a dessert; it is a culinary tradition cherished by generations. Apples, a universal ingredient, have been used in various dishes over time, and caramel adds a touch of elegance and refinement. This cake combines the fluffy texture of the batter with the intense flavor of caramelized apples, creating a dessert that is sure to impress.

Ingredients needed:
- 8 medium apples (preferably tart apples for a pleasant contrast)
- 200 g sugar for caramel
- 5 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 250 g)
- 1 cup of flour
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 500 ml Hulala whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons of quince jam
- Chocolate chunks (leftover from Kinder eggs or quality chocolate)
- 100 g butter

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the apples:
Start by peeling and coring the apples. Make sure the apples are well washed before peeling. Use a sharp knife to avoid accidents. Grease a baking dish with a little butter and place the apples with the core side down. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes. This step helps soften the apples.

2. Turning the apples:
After 10 minutes, turn the apples core side up and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. It is important that the apples are slightly soft but not falling apart.

3. Caramelizing the sugar:
In a medium saucepan, add 200 g of sugar for caramel. Without stirring, let the sugar melt over medium heat, occasionally swirling the pan to ensure even melting. Once the sugar turns golden, remove it from the heat and coat the sides and bottom of the pan with the caramel. Let it cool slightly while we finish with the apples.

4. Filling the apples:
Once the apples are softened, start placing them in the caramel-coated pan. Inside each apple, add a small cube of butter (about half a teaspoon), a teaspoon of quince jam, half a walnut, and a bit of chocolate. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over them for added flavor.

5. Preparing the batter:
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the 5 tablespoons of oil, similar to making mayonnaise. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a dense foam. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar (approximately 250 g) and continue mixing until you get a stiff meringue. Then, add the whisked yolks, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing gently.

6. Incorporating the flour:
Sift 1 cup of flour over the egg mixture and, using a spatula, fold gently from the bottom up to retain the air in the batter.

7. Assembling the cake:
Among the filled apples, place a few small pieces of butter and pour the prepared batter over the apples. Ensure the batter evenly covers the apples. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Inverting the cake:
Let the cake rest for 2 minutes after taking it out of the oven. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. It is important to do this while the cake is still hot to prevent the caramel from sticking. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for a nice appearance.

9. Decorating the cake:
Once the cake has completely cooled, decorate it generously with whipped cream. You can also add caramelized seed candies (such as sesame, flaxseed, sunflower, and pumpkin) and almonds, as well as a few sticks of white and dark chocolate for a sophisticated look. These details not only enhance the presentation but also add a crunchy texture.

Helpful tips:
- Choose apples based on your preferences; tart apples provide a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
- You can substitute the quince jam with another type of jam, such as cherry or peach, for different flavors.
- If you prefer a lighter cake, you can reduce the sugar and use plant-based whipped cream instead of dairy whipped cream.

Nutritional benefits:
This apple cake is rich in fiber due to the apples, and the eggs provide essential protein. The butter and oil bring healthy fats, while the chocolate and nuts add antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned apples? We recommend fresh apples for better texture, but you can also use canned apples, ensuring they are well drained.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It is delicious even chilled!

Pair this caramelized apple cake with vanilla ice cream or a fragrant tea for an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy every slice and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!