Apple pie with walnut crumble

Apple Crumble Cake – a recipe that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the crunchy texture of nut crumble. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a warm reminder of childhood, where each bite brought smiles and joy.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients needed

For the dough:
- 90 g butter (at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 1 egg (let it reach room temperature in the meantime)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200-250 g flour (you can use a mix of white and whole grain flour for a more rustic look)
- grated zest of one lemon (to add a touch of freshness)

For the filling:
- 1.3 kg apples (choose sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjust the amount based on the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for a flavorful touch)
- 2-3 tablespoons oil (for cooking the apples)
- a pinch of ground star anise (optional, but recommended for a special note)
- a handful of walnuts (chopped)
- powdered sugar (for finishing)

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing and peeling the apples. Use a sharp knife and a clean cutting board to peel them. Once peeled, grate them on a large grater and gently squeeze them between your palms to remove excess juice.

2. Cooking the apples: In a pot, add the oil and grated apples. Sprinkle the sugar and place the pot over medium heat. Allow the apples to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the apples become soft. Add the cinnamon and ground star anise, mixing well. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

Preparing the dough

3. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with sugar, egg, and milk. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to achieve a smooth mixture.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the lemon zest, salt, and baking powder. Mix well. Start adding the flour gradually, stirring continuously. You will obtain a soft and moldable dough.

5. Shaping the dough: Divide the dough into two parts: ¾ for the base and ¼ for the crumble. Roll out the larger portion on a floured surface until you achieve a thin sheet. Place the dough in a round tart pan, ensuring you line the edges well.

Assembling the cake

6. Adding the filling: Pour the apple filling into the pan, leveling it evenly to ensure uniform baking.

7. Preparing the crumble: Place the remaining dough in a food processor, add a tablespoon of flour, and pulse until crumbly. Incorporate the chopped walnuts and mix well.

8. Finalizing the cake: Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apple filling, ensuring you cover the entire surface well.

Baking

9. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the crumble is crunchy.

10. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, you can dust it with powdered sugar and serve it warm or at room temperature.

Serving suggestions

To add an extra touch of flavor, you can serve the cake with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. A cup of fruit tea or a warm herbal drink will perfectly complement the sweet-tart taste of the cake.

Tips and useful advice

- Choosing the apples: Use a variety of apples to achieve a complex flavor. Firmer apples will maintain a pleasant texture in the filling.
- Chocolate crumble: If you are a chocolate fan, you can add some dark chocolate chunks to the crumble mixture for added richness.
- Gluten-free option: You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour or special gluten-free baking mixes.
- Storage: The cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days but can be refrigerated for a longer duration.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Walnuts, on the other hand, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, contributing to a healthy diet. This cake is not only delicious but also a healthier choice compared to other heavy desserts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of fruit? Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or plums, but adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of the fruits.
2. What type of nuts can I use? Besides classic walnuts, you can try hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different flavor.
3. How can I tell if the cake is done? Check if the crumble is golden and if the apples are no longer juicy; you can do the toothpick test in the center.

Try this apple crumble cake recipe and let yourself be carried away by the nostalgic flavors of childhood. This is not just a recipe, but an opportunity to create delicious memories with loved ones. Enjoy!