Apple pie with praline nuts

Apple Cake with Praline Nuts: A Holiday Delight

This apple cake with praline nuts is the perfect choice to impress your loved ones, whether it's a holiday, a birthday, or simply a lazy afternoon with family. With a delicious mix of fragrant apples, sweet caramel, and crunchy nuts, this dessert combines textures and flavors in a way that will delight any gourmet. Moreover, it's a recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of the treats lovingly prepared by grandparents. Let’s see how to make this special cake step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 40 ml oil (preferably sunflower or rapeseed)
- 40 ml water
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 2 vials vanilla essence
- 180 g flour

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples, like Golden or Jonathan)
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jam (for added flavor and color)

For the caramel:
- 150 g sugar
- a few drops of water

For the praline nuts:
- 250 g nuts (pecans or Romanian walnuts are excellent)
- 150 g sugar

For the syrup:
- 150 ml water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- a few drops of lemon juice (to prevent crystallization)

For decoration:
- 200 ml liquid cream (can be whipped at home for a fresh taste)

Instructions

1. Preparing the praline nuts
Start by preparing the praline nuts, as they need to cool before use. In a saucepan, add 150 g of sugar and a few drops of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let the sugar caramelize, stirring gently to prevent burning. When the sugar turns golden, add the nuts and mix well to coat them evenly in caramel. Pour the mixture onto a buttered or margarine-greased glass plate and let it cool completely. Once hardened, break or crush the nuts into smaller pieces.

2. Caramelization
In another saucepan, place 150 g of sugar with a few drops of water and caramelize as you did with the nuts. When the caramel turns golden, pour it evenly over the bottom of a baking dish.

3. Preparing the apples
Peel the apples, cut them in half, and remove the cores. Place them cut-side up in the caramel-coated pan. Use apple slices to fill the empty spaces between the apple halves. Add the strawberry jam over the arranged apples and sprinkle the crushed praline nuts.

4. Preparing the batter for the base
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with 120 g of sugar until you achieve a stiff foam. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with 40 ml of oil, 40 ml of water, and vanilla essence. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites, mixing slowly at low speed. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add it to the egg mixture, stirring with a spatula.

5. Baking
Carefully pour the batter over the apples in the pan. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 40-50 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. After 25 minutes, check the cake, and if the toothpick comes out clean, it is ready.

6. Cooling and soaking
Let the cake cool to room temperature until the next day. Before serving, prepare the syrup by boiling the water with honey and lemon juice. Soak the cake evenly to give it moisture and an intense flavor.

7. Decorating
Once the cake has cooled completely, turn it out onto a serving platter. Whip the liquid cream and decorate the cake as desired. You can also add a few pieces of praline nuts for a more attractive appearance.

Chef's Tip
A delicious idea is to serve the cake with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a contrast of temperatures. Additionally, this cake pairs perfectly with fruit tea or a sweet white wine.

Nutritional Benefits
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals. This combination will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide nutritional benefits to your body.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, which will caramelize just as well.

2. How can I replace sugar?
For a healthier option, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but make sure to adjust the amount according to your desired sweetness.

3. What is the best way to store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. Make sure it is not exposed to moisture to prevent it from getting soggy.

This apple cake with praline nuts is not just a dessert but a true culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Try it this weekend and enjoy every slice!