Nut and apple tray cake

Apple and Walnut Cake - A Fragrant Delight

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

On a cool autumn day, I wanted to treat my family to a warm dessert, full of flavors and textures. This apple and walnut cake recipe came to life, a simple yet sophisticated dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the crunchiness of walnuts. Besides being a quick dessert, it is also an excellent choice for a healthy snack, thanks to its natural ingredients.

Recipe History

The cake has a long tradition, being prepared in various forms around the world. It is a dessert that brings nostalgia and the warmth of home, perfect for both special occasions and informal gatherings. This recipe combines simple and accessible ingredients, transforming them into a sweet masterpiece that will fill your home with enticing aromas.

Ingredients You Need

- 7 fresh eggs
- 14 tablespoons of sugar
- 14 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 100 g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Details About Ingredients

- Eggs: Choose fresh eggs, preferably from local farms. High-quality eggs will give a better texture to the batter.
- Sugar: You can also use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor.
- Apples: Choose sweet and fragrant apples, such as Golden or Granny Smith, for a perfect contrast with the sweetness of the cake.
- Walnuts: Walnuts add a crunchy note and are full of healthy fats. You can also use pecans or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

Preparation Technique - Step by Step

1. Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Choose a loaf pan (approximately 30x10 cm) and line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake after baking.

2. Separating the Eggs
Crack the eggs and separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake.

3. Creating the Egg White Foam
Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix until it completely dissolves and you achieve a firm, shiny foam. This will give the cake an airy texture.

4. Incorporating the Yolks
Add the yolks, lemon juice, and zest to the egg white mixture, gently mixing to avoid losing airiness.

5. Flour and Baking Powder
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the egg mixture, using a wooden spoon to fold from top to bottom to achieve a homogeneous batter.

6. Dividing the Batter
Pour 3/4 of the batter into the prepared pan. To the remaining batter, add the cocoa and mix well. Pour the cocoa batter over the white batter, creating a marbled effect.

7. Adding the Apples and Walnuts
Peel, wash, and dice the apples. Add them to the pan along with the roughly chopped walnuts, sprinkling them evenly for a balanced taste.

8. Baking the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns golden and passes the toothpick test – if it comes out clean, then the cake is perfectly baked.

9. Serving
After removing it from the oven, let it cool slightly in the pan, then transfer it to a platter. Dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant and delicious appearance. This apple and walnut cake is perfect served warm, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Useful Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as pears or cherries, to create a new version of this cake. You can also add cinnamon for a deeper flavor.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. It can also be frozen, sliced, for moments when you need a quick dessert.
- Nutritional Benefits: This cake contains protein from eggs and healthy fats from walnuts, providing a good balance of carbohydrates and nutrients, making it a healthier choice compared to other desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace sugar with a sweetener?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners, but make sure to follow the proportions indicated on the package.

2. How can I avoid the cake being wet inside?
Make sure to respect the baking times and use ingredients at room temperature.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace wheat flour with almond flour or rice flour, but textures may vary.

This apple and walnut cake is not just a recipe, but an opportunity to create delicious memories with loved ones. So put on your apron and start your culinary adventure! Enjoy!