Dessert - Apple pie with nuts and sweet cheese by Rada O. - Recipia
Apple Cake with Walnut and Sweet Cheese

I propose a delicious and comforting recipe: apple cake with walnut and sweet cheese. This cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a true culinary experience that brings to mind moments spent with family, the flavors of childhood, and the warmth of home. Here’s how you can create this delicacy step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g margarine
- 200 g lard
- 7 tablespoons yogurt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 700 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder

For the filling:
- 2.5 kg apples (preferably aromatic, such as green or yellow apples)
- 250 g walnuts (ground and roasted)
- 450 g sweet cow cheese
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 8 tablespoons semolina
- Rum essence
- Sugar to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons cinnamon
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 2 oranges (pulp cut into cubes)

For the glaze:
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 8 tablespoons water
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the margarine and lard, both at room temperature, and continue mixing until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Add the yogurt, lemon zest, and orange zest, mixing well.

In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients, kneading until you obtain an elastic dough. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a tender and easy-to-roll dough.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Wash the apples, peel them, and grate them, leaving the skin on (this will add flavor and texture). In a large bowl, mix the grated apples with the roasted walnuts, sweet cheese, beaten egg, semolina, rum essence, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla sugar, and orange cubes. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated to obtain a delicious and consistent filling.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Grease a baking dish with oil and dust it with flour. Roll out the first piece of dough into a rectangular shape and place it in the dish. Sprinkle a layer of semolina on the bottom of the dish to absorb excess moisture from the filling. Then, evenly add the filling, smoothing it with a spatula. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it on top of the filling. Use a fork to make small perforations in the dough, allowing steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cake for 45 minutes or until it becomes golden and slightly firm to the touch. Once the cake is done, let it cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Preparing the glaze
Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. In a small pot, combine cocoa, oil, water, and powdered sugar. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the glaze evenly over the top and decorate with orange cubes for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Serving and variations
This apple cake with walnut and sweet cheese is perfect for serving as a dessert at a family meal or a gathering with friends. You can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an even richer taste. Additionally, add a dollop of whipped cream or a cup of hot tea for an unforgettable experience.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, helping you stay healthy. Walnuts provide healthy fats and protein, while sweet cheese offers calcium and essential nutrients. This dessert, while delicious, can be enjoyed in moderation, considering the amount of sugar and fats. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, depending on portioning and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with different varieties of apples. Tart apples, like green ones, will add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the filling.

2. How can I make this cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the filling or using a less sweet cheese can help balance the flavor.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Of course! You can add raisins, additional spices, or even dark chocolate for a richer taste.

4. How do I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, but no more than 3-4 days. You can freeze it, but make sure it is well wrapped.

This apple cake with walnut and sweet cheese is not just a dessert but a piece of tradition and love. I hope you enjoyed discovering this recipe and that you will try it with joy! Bon appétit!
Dessert - Apple pie with nuts and sweet cheese by Rada O. - Recipia

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