Layered cake with apples and walnuts

Apple and Walnut Cake: A Delicacy that Melts in Your Mouth

Are you looking for a simple yet delicious cake that will delight your senses? I invite you to discover the recipe for Apple and Walnut Cake, a dessert that not only comes together quickly but is sure to become a star in your culinary repertoire. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to brighten up a dull afternoon or impress guests at a festive meal.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

A Drop of History

The apple cake is a traditional recipe that combines the simplicity of ingredients with the richness of flavors. Apples, versatile fruits, have been used for centuries in various desserts, and the addition of walnuts provides a pleasant contrast of textures. This recipe is often associated with moments of conviviality, enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Necessary Ingredients

*For the Dough:*
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 8-9 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powdered sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon

*For the Filling:*
- 12-13 medium apples
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to sweetness preferences)
- 4 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons oil

Preparing the Apple Filling

1. Preparing the apples: Start by washing the apples well and peeling them. Use a large grater to shred them. Once shredded, make sure to gently squeeze them to remove excess juice.
2. Cooking the apples: In a pan, add the oil and the squeezed apples. Sprinkle sugar over them and mix. Let them cook on low heat until slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add cinnamon and mix again. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. Once cooled, add the ground walnuts and mix well.

Preparing the Dough

1. Beating the eggs: In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a glossy mixture.
2. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks, oil, and milk, mixing gently with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed.
3. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder, then incorporate them into the egg mixture. Add the vanilla powdered sugar and lemon zest for extra flavor.

Assembling the Cake

1. Preparing the pan: Grease a round baking pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. First layer of dough: Pour half of the dough mixture into the pan and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for 3-4 minutes, just to set slightly.
3. Adding the filling: Remove the pan from the oven and evenly spread the apple and walnut filling, then add the remaining dough on top.
4. Final baking: Put the pan back in the oven and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving

Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an attractive finish.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. You can also serve it with fresh whipped cream or a caramel sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

The apple and walnut cake is not only delicious but also healthy! Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Each serving has about 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches for an interesting variation.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and dough to adjust the sweetness to taste.
3. Is the cake good for freezing?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it keeps best in the fridge for a few days.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour will add a nutritional boost and a heartier flavor.
5. What are the best drinks to accompany the cake?
Black tea or espresso coffee are excellent choices, but a sweet wine can also be a delicious pairing.

Possible Variations

- Cocoa Cake: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa to the dough for a chocolate-flavored cake.
- Nut and Almond Cake: Replace the ground walnuts with almonds for a distinct flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to embark on this culinary adventure. I wish you great success and, most importantly, good appetite!