Apple pie with a walnut crust

Apple and Walnut Crust Cake – A Delight That Will Enchant Your Taste Buds

Who doesn't love the aromatic taste of baked apples, wrapped in fluffy dough and a crunchy walnut crust? This apple and walnut crust cake is not just a simple recipe but a true feast for the senses. Whether you serve it at a small gathering with friends or simply to indulge yourself, this quick dessert will surely become one of your favorites.

The history of this cake goes back to ancient times, being a classic combination of simple ingredients that has been improved and adapted over the years into various versions. It is a perfect example of how a modest recipe can give birth to a delight that brings family and friends together around the table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 3 eggs
- 150 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 100 g flour
- 1 packet vanilla pudding powder
- 1 packet baking powder
- 150 g sugar
- 125 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 4 medium apples (preferably tart apples)
- a pinch of salt

For the crust:
- 75 g butter (melted)
- 75 g flour
- 50 g ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
Start by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a smooth and well-combined dough. In a large bowl, cream the soft butter with the sugar until you get a creamy and fluffy mixture. You can use an electric mixer to save time and energy.

2. Add the Eggs
Incorporate the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This will help aerate the dough, giving it the desired consistency. Then add a pinch of salt and the cottage cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully integrated into the mixture.

3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, pudding powder, and baking powder into another bowl. This technique will prevent lumps in the dough. Gradually start adding the dry mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until you get a homogeneous dough.

4. Add the Apples
Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. Add them to the dough and gently mix to distribute them evenly. The apples not only add a sweet-tart flavor but also moisture to the cake.

5. Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 25/35 cm baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the dough into the pan and level the surface with a spatula.

6. Prepare the Crust
In a small bowl, mix the ground walnuts with the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Melt the butter and add it to the dry ingredient mixture. Use your fingers to turn the mixture into a crumbly texture. This crust will give the cake a crunchy note and a delicious walnut flavor.

7. Add the Crust
Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the dough in the pan. Make sure they are evenly distributed for uniform baking.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cooling
Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan, then you can cut it into squares or triangles. This cooling is essential to prevent the cake from crumbling when serving.

Serving Suggestions

The apple and walnut crust cake can be served plain or with various accompaniments. A great idea is to serve it with a generous layer of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or with a vanilla cream. You can also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Each serving of cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the portions and exact ingredients used. This cake is not only delicious but also nutritious due to the apples, which are rich in fiber and vitamins. The cottage cheese provides a good source of protein, while the walnuts offer healthy fats and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace the apples with pears, peaches, or even berries for a different version of the cake.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or choose tarter apples to balance the sweetness.

3. Is the cake suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs or other vegan alternatives for eggs and vegan butter.

Possible Variations

If you want to add a twist to this recipe, you can experiment with different flavors. For example, adding a splash of vanilla or rum extract will enhance the taste. You can also try adding some raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.

This apple and walnut crust cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary creation that brings together tradition and innovation, offering you a delicious experience with every bite. I invite you to try the recipe and share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy!