Apple pie filled with jam, nuts, and Turkish delight

Apple Cake Filled with Jam, Nuts, and Turkish Delight

Who can resist a delicious, aromatic, and refreshing cake, especially on hot summer days? This recipe for apple cake filled with jam, nuts, and Turkish delight is perfect for bringing a touch of joy to your dessert table. With a fluffy base, tart apples, and a decadent chocolate cream, this cake will not only impress with its appearance but will also delight the taste buds of everyone who tries it.

Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons sparkling water
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 8 tablespoons flour
- Lemon essence (a few drops)
- 1 packet baking powder

For the filling:
- 11 medium apples (choose tart apples for a pleasant contrast)
- 5 pieces of Turkish delight (preferably with rose or lemon flavor)
- Walnut halves
- Tart plum jam (or peach jam for a sweeter touch)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cream:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 500 ml heavy cream

For the syrup:
- 250 ml water
- Lemon essence (a few drops)
- 2 tablespoons sugar

For decoration:
- Whipped cream
- White chocolate flakes

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the apples
1. Start by peeling the apples and carefully removing the cores without breaking them. This is a delicate task, but with a little patience, you'll have perfect apples for filling.
2. Cut the Turkish delight into thin slices to create two plugs for each apple. These plugs will add flavor and an attractive look to the cake.
3. Line the bottom of a 26 cm round cake pan with parchment paper. Place the apples in the pan, side by side.

Step 2: The filling
1. Fill each apple with a plug of Turkish delight, followed by a tablespoon of plum jam and a few walnut halves.
2. Add another plug of Turkish delight on top of each apple. This will prevent the filling from spilling out during baking and will keep the moisture in.

Step 3: Baking the apples
1. Sprinkle cinnamon over the filled apples.
2. Bake the apples in a preheated oven at 175°C for about 10 minutes. This will help intensify the flavors and prepare the apples for the base.

Step 4: Preparing the base
1. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue.
2. Incorporate the sparkling water and egg yolks one at a time, followed by the oil and lemon essence.
3. Sift the flour mixed with baking powder over the egg mixture and gently fold with a spatula until combined.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
1. Remove the apples from the oven and pour the batter over them, ensuring they are completely covered.
2. Bake the cake at 180°C for 35 minutes or until the base is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the base; it should come out clean).

Step 6: Preparing the syrup
1. In a saucepan, add the water, sugar, and lemon essence. Boil the mixture for 5-7 minutes, then let it cool.

Step 7: Preparing the chocolate cream
1. In a bowl, add the heavy cream and broken pieces of chocolate. Place the bowl over low heat, stirring continuously until the chocolate is completely melted. Then, allow the mixture to cool.
2. Once cooled, use a mixer to whip the mixture into a smooth and airy cream.

Step 8: Final assembly
1. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving platter.
2. Soak the cake with the cooled syrup, making sure every part is well covered.
3. Frost the cake with the chocolate cream and decorate the edges with white chocolate flakes and whipped cream on top.

Serving and variations
This cake can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an added indulgence. You can also experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot or raspberry, to add a personal touch.

Helpful tips
- If the apples are too sweet, you can drizzle a little lemon juice inside them before filling.
- If the chocolate cream doesn't have the desired consistency, you can add a little dissolved gelatin for stability.
- The apples can also be used with the skin on, which will soften during baking, adding extra texture.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. Additionally, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can benefit health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, which pair well with the jam and nuts.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for a few days.

3. Is this dessert suitable for diets?
Like any dessert, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. You can adjust the amount of sugar to make it healthier.

Enjoy this delicious recipe for apple cake filled with jam, nuts, and Turkish delight! With each slice, you'll bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, and its unmistakable aroma will turn any meal into a celebration!