Cubes with apples and nuts

Delicious Apple and Walnut Cubes

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Introduction:
Enjoy a simple and tasty recipe for apple and walnut cubes, perfect for any occasion! This cake is a perfect combination of the sweetness of apples and the crunchiness of walnuts, making it ideal as both a dessert and a coffee snack. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through the house during baking will surely bring a smile to anyone's face.

Brief History:
This apple and walnut cake recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition, inspired by family recipes passed down through generations. Apples are a versatile ingredient, used over time in various sweet and savory dishes. Walnuts, on the other hand, add texture and flavor, being frequently used in desserts. Together, these ingredients create a cake that is not only delicious but also full of warm memories.

Ingredients:
- 110 g melted butter
- 200 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 150 g flour
- 400 g grated apples (about 3-4 medium apples)
- 60 g ground and chopped walnuts (reserve 2 walnuts to chop finely)
- 3 g baking powder
- 2 g baking soda
- 2 g salt (a pinch)
- 2 g cinnamon (about a teaspoon)
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (optional, but recommended for an even more aromatic flavor)

Step by Step:

1. Preheating the oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the cake.

2. Preparing dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well with a spatula or whisk to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Beating butter and sugar:
In another bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add the sugar and egg. Use a mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes creamy. This is the moment to add the rum essence for an extra flavor boost.

4. Adding apples and walnuts:
Peel the apples and grate them. Add the grated apples to the butter, sugar, and egg mixture. Incorporate the ground walnuts, mixing well to achieve a homogeneous composition.

5. Combining ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix carefully. Make sure there are no lumps. It is important not to overmix to keep the cake fluffy.

6. Transferring to the pan:
Prepare a baking tray (approximately 20x30 cm) and grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray, leveling it with a spatula.

7. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. At the end, do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, leave it for a few more minutes.

8. Cooling and decorating:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. After it has cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a beautiful appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.

Practical Tip:
For an intense walnut flavor, you can lightly toast the walnuts in a pan before adding them to the mixture. This will enhance the aroma and add a slight crunch to your cake.

Possible Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients such as raisins, blueberries, or even dark chocolate for a delicious contrast. You can also replace walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

Ideal Combinations:
These apple and walnut cubes are perfect alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. They can also be served with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a more sophisticated dessert.

Nutritional Information:
Each serving of apple and walnut cubes contains approximately 220 calories. This cake provides a good amount of fiber from the apples, while walnuts offer healthy fats and protein. Additionally, cinnamon not only adds flavor but also provides antioxidant benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use green apples for this recipe?
Yes, green apples add a note of acidity that can balance the sweetness of the sugar.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cubes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, you might consider refrigerating them.

3. Can the apple and walnut cubes be frozen?
Yes, these cubes can be frozen! Make sure to let them cool completely, then wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a suitable container for the freezer.

Conclusion:
Apple and walnut cubes are not just a simple dessert but also a recipe that brings joy and comfort. Whether you enjoy them with loved ones or prepare them for a special gathering, these cubes are sure to be appreciated. So don't hesitate, get to work and let the aroma of cinnamon fill your home with warmth and good cheer! Enjoy!