Apple pie with vanilla cream

Apple cake with vanilla cream: a delicious experience you can't ignore!

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

Who doesn't love the warm aroma of baked apples, combined with a fine vanilla cream and a chocolate glaze? This apple cake with vanilla cream is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or simply a Sunday evening when you want to treat yourself. Moreover, it's a recipe that combines tradition with a modern taste, offering you an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:

For the apple filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, which bake well and caramelize perfectly)
- 150 g sugar
- 150 ml sweet white wine (you can also use apple juice for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter

For the base:
- 8 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 8 tablespoons flour (sprinkle a bit of almond flour for a richer taste)
- 1 packet baking powder

For the vanilla cream:
- 3 packets vanilla pudding
- 800 ml milk (use whole milk for a richer cream)
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 125 g soft butter (make sure it's at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 200 ml heavy cream (well whipped)

For the glaze:
- 100 g milk chocolate (you can replace it with dark chocolate for a more intense contrast)
- 4 tablespoons cream
- 2 tablespoons butter

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Caramelizing the apples:
In a large pot, add 150 g of sugar and let it caramelize over medium heat. When the sugar turns golden, add the sweet white wine and stir well to dissolve the caramel. This will add a special note to the apples' flavor. After 2-3 minutes, add the peeled and cored apples, sliced. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and let the apples cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the apples are slightly soft, remove the pot from the heat.

2. Preparing the base:
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm foam. Add the yolks one by one, mixing gently. Finally, sift the flour mixed with the baking powder and gently incorporate it into the egg mixture. This will ensure a fluffy and airy base.

3. Assembling:
Grease a rectangular baking pan (37 x 26 cm) with butter and place the caramelized apples on the bottom. Pour the base mixture over the apples, making sure to cover them evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 30 minutes or until the base turns golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. After baking, let the base cool for 20 minutes, then carefully turn it onto a platter.

4. Preparing the vanilla cream:
In a pot, bring 500 ml of milk to a boil. In a separate bowl, mix the 3 packets of pudding with 300 ml of cold milk, then pour the mixture into the boiling milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring over low heat until the cream thickens. Remove from heat and add the sugar, mixing well. Let the cream cool.

In another bowl, mix the soft butter with the powdered sugar until creamy. Add one tablespoon of the cooled pudding at a time, mixing until smooth. Finally, fold in the whipped cream to obtain a light and delicious cream.

5. Finishing the cake:
Spread the vanilla cream evenly over the cooled base.

6. Preparing the glaze:
In a double boiler or over a water bath, melt the chopped chocolate with the cream and butter. Stir until everything is smooth and shiny. Let the glaze cool for 3 minutes, then pour it over the vanilla cream.

7. Cooling and serving:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the glaze to set well.

This apple cake with vanilla cream is perfect served with a cup of aromatic tea or a glass of sweet white wine. You can also add a handful of toasted nuts for an extra crunch.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of apples: some are sweeter, others more tart, which will influence the final taste of the cake.
- If you want to add a note of freshness, you can sprinkle a little grated lemon zest into the apple mixture.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Frequently asked questions:
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.
- Can I replace the white wine? Yes, you can use apple juice or water, depending on your preferences.
- Is the cake suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan eggs and plant-based butter, although the texture will be different.

This apple cake with vanilla cream recipe is not only a delicious dessert but also a warm memory of the time spent in the kitchen, giving you the chance to enjoy pleasant moments with loved ones. So put on your favorite apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! May every bite be a joy!