Whole Apple Cake

Caramelized Apple Cake - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to the wonderful world of desserts! Today, I will reveal the recipe for a caramelized apple cake, a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. This recipe is not only delicious but also simple, making it ideal for any occasion. The golden caramel, tender apples, and fluffy base harmoniously blend together, creating a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

The history of the apple cake is rich in traditions, with deep roots in home kitchens, where each housewife has contributed her personal touch. Whether it was a simple apple pie or an elaborate cake, apples have always been a staple ingredient in sweet dishes. This whole apple cake is a modern reinterpretation of these traditions, bringing a touch of magic to every slice.

The ingredients are divided into two categories: for the cake and for the syrup. Make sure you have everything prepared before you start, to make the cooking process as enjoyable and efficient as possible.

Ingredients for the cake:
- 6 large apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Golden or Fuji)
- 5 eggs (at room temperature for better foaming)
- 7 tablespoons of sugar for caramel
- 5 tablespoons of sugar for the base
- 2 tablespoons of sugar for dusting the apples
- 5 tablespoons of flour (you can use whole wheat flour for added nutrients)
- 4 tablespoons of quince jam (or any preferred jam for a distinct flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon of cold water
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 100 g walnuts (chopped for added crunch)
- Raisins (optional, for a sweet note)
- Cinnamon (to taste, but one teaspoon is ideal)
- Rum and vanilla essence (for an inviting aroma)

Ingredients for the syrup:
- 250 ml water
- 150 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rum essence (for a more intense flavor)

Step 1: Caramelizing the Sugar
Start by taking an enameled pot of 23 cm. Add the 7 tablespoons of sugar and place the pot over medium heat. Stir slowly until the sugar melts and turns golden. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as burnt caramel can give a bitter taste. Once the caramel is ready, swirl the pot so that the sugar coats the walls of the vessel. Set the pot aside to cool. This caramel base will give the cake an unmistakable flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the Apples
Meanwhile, peel the apples and remove the core. In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon. Toss the apples in this mixture, ensuring that each apple is evenly coated. In another bowl, combine the quince jam, walnuts, raisins, and rum essence. Fill each apple with this delicious mixture.

Step 3: Baking the Apples
Place the stuffed apples in the caramelized pot and put everything in the preheated oven at 150 degrees Celsius. Let the apples bake for 30 minutes, until they become tender. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 4: Preparing the Base
While the apples are baking, you can prepare the base. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Add one tablespoon of sugar at a time, continuing to mix until the foam becomes stiff and glossy. Then incorporate the yolks, gently mixing with a spatula. Add the oil and cold water, mixing again.

Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add it to the egg mixture. Use gentle up-and-down movements to avoid losing air from the foam, ensuring a fluffy base.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake
Pour the base mixture over the baked apples and return the pot to the oven. Increase the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and bake for about 30 minutes. Check if the base is ready by doing the toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

Step 6: Preparing the Syrup
In a separate pot, combine the water with the sugar and bring to a boil over low heat. Boil until the syrup volume is reduced by half. Remove from heat and add the rum essence. As soon as the cake is taken out of the oven, pour the syrup over it, allowing it to absorb.

Step 7: Serving the Cake
After the cake has cooled slightly, place a plate on top of the pot and quickly and firmly invert the cake. The caramel will melt and coat the cake in its delicious glaze. You will be surprised by the appearance and aroma of this cake! You can serve it plain or with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect culinary experience.

Practical Tips:
- Choose sweet and juicy apples for better taste.
- You can experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot or plum jam, to vary the flavors.
- If you want a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the base by one or two tablespoons.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I keep the cake fresh?
The cake can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
2. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can try peaches, plums, or even cherries, but you will need to adjust the baking time.
3. Can the cake be frozen?
It is recommended not to freeze this cake, as the textures may change.

Recommended Pairings:
This apple cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or aromatic coffee. For a more extravagant dessert, you can serve it alongside a chocolate sauce or whipped cream.

In conclusion, the caramelized apple cake is a dessert that not only looks amazing but also brings an explosion of flavors in every bite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy this simple and delicious recipe that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!