Apple pie with quince jam and nuts - vegan

Apple cake with quince jam and nuts - vegan

If you're looking for a vegan dessert that will delight your senses and bring a touch of joy to every bite, you've found the perfect recipe! The apple cake with quince jam and nuts is not only an excellent choice for the fasting period but also a treat you can enjoy at any time of the year. This recipe combines textures and flavors in a unique way, bringing together the sweetness of apples and quince jam with the crunchiness of nuts and the subtle aroma of cardamom.

Preparation time: 3-4 hours (including dough resting time)
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 4 hours
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 150 mL oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 200 mL sparkling water
- 3 tablespoons vinegar (apple or balsamic)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom (for an exotic note)
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably sour apples, such as green ones)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons quince jam (other jams can be used, but quince offers a unique flavor)
- zest of 2 lemons (for freshness)
- 10 mL vanilla essence
- 1-2 tablespoons semolina (to absorb the juice of the apples)

For decoration:
- 50 g nuts (ground or whole, as preferred)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by mixing the flour with the baking powder, cardamom, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. The cardamom will add a floral and spicy aroma, perfect for complementing the apples.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
In the center of the flour mixture, pour in the oil, sparkling water, vinegar, vanilla essence, and vanilla sugar. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important that all ingredients are well integrated to ensure an even texture.

3. Resting the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours. This step is essential as the resting will allow the gluten to relax, leading to a more tender dough.

4. Preparing the filling:
While the dough rests, you can prepare the filling. Grate the apples and place them in a pan with the quince jam and sugar. Cook them over medium heat until their volume reduces to almost half, stirring occasionally. This step will concentrate the flavors and make the filling tastier.

5. Adding ingredients to the filling:
Once the apples have cooled, add the semolina, lemon zest, and vanilla essence. The semolina will help absorb the juice from the apples, preventing an overly wet filling.

6. Assembling the cake:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out one part of the dough into a thin sheet. Spread the apple filling evenly over the entire surface, then roll out the second sheet of dough and cover the filling. Use a fork to gently pierce the surface of the cake, allowing steam to escape during baking.

7. Decorating:
Sprinkle the nuts on top of the cake. The nuts will brown during baking, adding extra flavor.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the cake in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden and crispy. The aroma that will spread throughout the house will be simply irresistible!

9. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before cutting it. It can be served warm or at room temperature, being delicious in both variations.

Useful tips:
- For an even more intense note, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the filling.
- If you prefer a more sour taste, you can also add a few slices of lemon to the filling.
- The cake keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days, but you can freeze it to enjoy later.

Combos and suggestions:
This delicious cake pairs perfectly with a cup of herbal tea or aromatic coffee. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. Nuts add healthy fats and protein, while quince jam provides antioxidants. This cake is a more balanced choice compared to other desserts, being rich in nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of jam?
Of course! You can experiment with apricot, cherry, or any other jam you prefer. Each variation will give the cake a different flavor.

2. Can I replace the oil with butter?
Since this is a vegan recipe, oil is the ideal choice. If you are not restricted, you can use butter for a richer flavor.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use tarter apples to balance the sweetness.

4. Can it be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour (e.g., almond or amaranth flour) to adapt the recipe to your dietary needs.

In conclusion, the apple cake with quince jam and nuts is not just a delicious dessert but also a way to enjoy the flavors of autumn. I hope you enjoy the cooking process and the final result! Enjoy your meal!