Cake with a base of apples, walnuts, and biscuits

Apple, Walnut, and Biscuit Cake – A Delicacy That Combines Taste and Natural Flavors

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking and cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Have you ever thought about transforming a common ingredient, like apples, into a decadent cake? This recipe for an apple, walnut, and biscuit cake is exactly what you need to impress family and friends. Using tart apples, this delicacy not only tastes wonderful but is also a quick and easy dessert to prepare. Let's discover together each step of this recipe that blends tradition with innovation.

Necessary Ingredients

For the base:
- 2 kg tart apples (choose fresh, firm apples for a more intense flavor)
- 350 g biscuits (you can use plain or cocoa biscuits)
- 1/2 pack (125 g) butter (use unsalted, quality butter)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (to sweeten the base)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for an extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (optional, but recommended for a deep aroma)
- 150 g walnuts (almonds can also be used for a different taste)

For the creams:
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 L milk (you can use skim or whole milk, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 pack (125 g) butter (for a rich and creamy cream)
- 6 tablespoons flour (use white flour, type 000)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (to sweeten the cream)
- zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon essence (for an extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (for the chocolate cream)
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional, for a more intense coffee flavor)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar (to flavor the cream)

Preparing the Base

1. Preparing the Apples: Peel and core the apples. Cut them into small cubes and mash them using a food processor until you get a fine puree. If you don’t have a processor, you can use a fine grater.

2. Cooking the Apples: Place the apple puree in a pot over medium heat. Add the sugar and cinnamon. Stir constantly until the apples start to soften and turn into a thick syrup (about 15-20 minutes).

3. Adding the Butter: When the apples are ready, add the butter cut into small cubes. Mix well until the butter completely melts.

4. Including the Biscuits and Walnuts: Crush the biscuits and walnuts (you can use a rolling pin or a processor). Add them to the apple mixture and mix well. Also, add the rum essence, stirring until combined evenly.

5. Forming the Base: Pour the mixture into a cake pan (25 cm diameter) lined with baking paper, press down well to level it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Vanilla Cream

1. Egg Mixture: In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar, flour, and a little cold milk until you get a homogeneous mixture.

2. Cooking the Cream: Start heating the remaining milk. When warm, gradually add it to the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Place the bowl over low heat and stir continuously until the cream thickens. Finally, add the butter and mix well until melted.

3. Cooling the Cream: Divide the cream into two equal parts. Let one part cool to room temperature.

Preparing the Chocolate Cream

1. Preparing the Egg Whites: Whip the egg whites with the vanilla sugar until stiff peaks form. Add the cocoa and instant coffee and gently fold in with a spatula.

2. Combining the Creams: Add half of the cooled cream to the egg white mixture and gently mix until homogeneous.

Assembling the Cake

1. Layering the Cake: Spread the first part of the vanilla cream over the apple base. Then, add the chocolate cream on top of it.

2. Decorating the Cake: Use a spatula to create an artistic look, forming swirls with the two creams. On top, you can add fruit jellies for an extra splash of color and texture.

3. Final Cooling: Let the cake chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving, to set well.

Serving and Variations

This cake is served cold, and alongside it, you can offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or coffee, which will highlight the flavors of the cake.

Tips and Tricks

- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and creams.
- Instead of biscuits, you can use semolina, and for a more interesting texture, add pieces of dried fruit to the base.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to be consumed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. This cake, although delicious, can be considered a healthier choice compared to other desserts rich in sugar and saturated fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits for the base?
Yes, you can replace apples with pears or peaches, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I make the cake even more aromatic?
Add spices like nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture for a more complex flavor.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Use gluten-free biscuits or substitute the flour with a gluten-free variant in the creams.

This apple, walnut, and biscuit cake recipe is not only a treat but also a perfect way to bring a touch of nature into your dessert. I wish you success in preparing this cake and, above all, enjoy every slice!