Apple cake with cookies and caramel

Apple cake with biscuits and caramel - an explosion of flavors and textures

Who doesn't love a homemade cake that brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort? The apple cake with biscuits and caramel is a simple yet special dessert, perfect for both festive days and moments when you just want to indulge in something sweet. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it is also friendly for those who are fasting, making it even more versatile. Let's venture into the world of flavors!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes (just cooling)
Total time: 30 minutes + 3 hours in the fridge
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 2 kilograms of apples (recommended fragrant apples, such as Jonathan, Crețeşti, or Patule; avoid mealy apples)
- Approximately 50 simple biscuits (vegan)
- 600 ml water
- 500 grams of sugar
- 4 packets of caramel pudding (from Dr. Oetker or another preferred brand)

Necessary utensils

- A pot for boiling
- A bowl for mixing the pudding
- A baking tray or dish
- A spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
- A knife and a cutting board for the apples

A brief history

Apple cake is a dessert that has evolved over time, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Apples, a symbol of health and well-being, have been used in desserts since ancient times. Their combination with biscuits and caramel adds a modern touch, making it a favorite among sweet lovers.

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the sugar syrup
Start by placing 600 ml of water and 500 grams of sugar in a pot over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Continue to boil the mixture until it starts to bubble. This will become the delicious base for your apples.

2. Preparing the apples
While the syrup is boiling, wash the apples, peel them, and remove the cores with seeds. Slice the apples thinly, lengthwise or crosswise, depending on your preference. The apple slices should be uniform for even cooking.

3. Cooking the apples in syrup
Add the apple slices to the boiling syrup. Let them simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until they become soft but do not break apart. The cooking time will depend on the apple variety, but generally, 5-7 minutes should be sufficient. During this time, the apples will absorb the sweet flavor of the syrup.

4. Preparing the pudding
In a bowl, mix the 4 packets of caramel pudding with 100 ml of cold water until it becomes a smooth mixture. This is the stage where the caramel flavor will start to come to life.

5. Combining the ingredients
Once the apples are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and pour the pudding mixture over the apples. Use the spatula to gently mix, ensuring that the apples are well coated with the pudding. This mixture will give the cake a creamy texture and a rich caramel flavor.

6. Assembling the cake
In a baking tray (or dish), start to assemble the cake. Place a layer of biscuits at the bottom of the tray, followed by a layer of apple and pudding mixture. Continue with another layer of biscuits, then another layer of mixture, ensuring that the last layer is of apples. This structure will create a pleasant contrast between crunchy biscuits and soft, flavorful mixture.

7. Cooling the cake
Cover the tray with plastic wrap or a lid and let the cake cool at room temperature, then place it in the fridge for at least 3 hours. This step is essential to allow the flavors to combine and to achieve a cake that is easy to slice.

8. Serving
After the cake has cooled completely, cut it into servings and serve it with a caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to add an extra layer of flavor. The apple cake with biscuits and caramel is perfect as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack during the day.

Useful tips

- Choosing apples: Choose sweet, crunchy apples for the best results. Mealy apples will not hold well in syrup.
- Biscuits: Simple biscuits are the most recommended, but you can experiment with flavored biscuits, such as cocoa biscuits for an interesting contrast.
- Vegan option: This cake is perfect for the fasting period due to its simple and natural ingredients.
- Enhancing flavor: You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture to intensify the aroma.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to preserve its texture.
- What other recipes can I try with apples? You can also try an apple pie or apple crumble to vary your desserts.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, making them a healthy ingredient for any dessert. Biscuits add carbohydrates, and sugar, although it should be consumed in moderation, contributes to quick energy.

The apple cake with biscuits and caramel is not just a simple dessert but also a wonderful way to bring the heart home. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or treat yourself, each slice promises to be a moment of joy. Enjoy your meal!