Caramel Apple Cake

Caramel Apple Cake: An Unforgettable Delight

Welcome to the sweet and fragrant world of caramel apple cake! This recipe is not just a simple dessert, but a true celebration of flavors, inspired by my father Petre's name day joy. Although it was my first attempt at making this cake, the risk was well worth it, and the guests were delighted by the divine combination of caramelized apples, a fluffy sponge, and a delicious cream. Let's embark on this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*Caramel for apples:*
- 3 apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith)
- 50 g butter
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of water

*Cake batter:*
- 6 large eggs
- 6 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 packets of hot chocolate with rum
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder
- 200 g sugar
- A pinch of salt

*Cream for the cake:*
- 4 eggs
- 500 ml warm milk
- 100 g sugar
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar

*Cake decoration:*
- 1 pack of whipped cream
- 150 ml milk

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the caramel for the apples
Start by choosing a pot with higher walls, ideal for caramelizing. Put the 5 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of water in the pot. Stir gently until the sugar melts completely. It is important to be patient and not stir too much to avoid crystallizing the sugar. Allow the mixture to caramelize until it becomes golden, then spread the caramel on the walls of the pot. Let it cool and harden.

Meanwhile, peel and slice the apples thinly. Carefully place them over the hardened caramel, ensuring an even distribution. Place 50 g of butter on top of the apples and put the pot in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes on low heat. This step will enhance the flavor of the apples and add extra taste.

Step 2: Prepare the cake batter
Separating the eggs is essential for achieving a fluffy cake. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until firm peaks form. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 200 g of sugar until they become a light-colored cream. Add the packets of hot chocolate with rum and cocoa, mixing well.

Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to lose the air. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and add this mixture to the egg mixture. The consistency should be similar to that of a pound cake. Pour half of the batter over the apples taken out of the oven and return to the oven until the cake slightly firms up.

Step 3: Prepare the cream
To create the delicious cream, separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites until frothy, and whisk the yolks with 100 g of sugar and the packets of vanilla sugar. Add the warm milk to the egg mixture and mix well. This cream will be poured over the cake batter in the oven. Bake the cake on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cream slightly sets.

Once set, add the remaining batter and bake on low heat until it passes the toothpick test. Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.

Step 4: Decorate the cake
To create an attractive decoration, prepare the whipped cream according to the package instructions, using 150 ml of milk. Once the cake has cooled, use the whipped cream to decorate it. You can also add some apple slices or caramelized nuts for a more sophisticated appearance.

Serving and suggestions
This caramel apple cake is perfect for any special occasion, but it can also be enjoyed on regular evenings alongside a cup of tea or coffee. If you want to experiment, try adding nuts or almonds to the batter for a more complex flavor or even a dash of cinnamon to enhance the apple aroma.

Nutritional information
One serving of cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 350 calories. This dessert is a good source of carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar, while the apples add fiber and essential vitamins. Moderation in consuming the cake can be part of a balanced diet, providing a small sweet pleasure without compromising health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace the apples with pears or peaches for a different version of this dessert.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to prevent drying out.
- Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, ensuring you use a compatible baking powder.

This caramel apple cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a way to bring joy and warmth around the table. I hope you enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!