Apple and caramel cake with nuts

The apple and caramel cake with nuts is a dessert that will captivate you with every bite. The fluffy base, fragrant apple filling, and delicious caramel with nuts create a perfect combination that will delight any meal. This recipe is ideal for enjoying with loved ones, whether as an afternoon snack or a dessert for a special occasion. Let’s discover each step of this recipe together and savor its flavors.

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 cup oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup apple nectar (preferably homemade)
- 325 g all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples)
- 100 g sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 cup apple nectar
- 5 tablespoons semolina

For the caramel:
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g butter
- 150-200 g nuts (coarsely crushed)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and frothy. It is essential to achieve an airy texture that will make the base fluffy.

2. Add the wet ingredients: Incorporate the two packets of vanilla sugar, oil (add it in a thin stream to prevent the mixture from curdling), buttermilk, and apple nectar. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

3. Flour and baking powder: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the egg mixture using a whisk. Make sure there are no lumps of flour remaining. The final texture should be smooth and pourable.

4. Baking the base: Prepare a baking tray (preferably 30x40 cm) by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the tray and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. The base should be slightly golden but not completely baked.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

5. The apples: Peel the apples and remove the cores, then grate them using a large grater. Place them in a pot over heat along with the sugar. If the apples are not very juicy, you won’t need to cook them for too long.

6. Flavoring: Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla sugar. Mix well and, if necessary, add the apple nectar and semolina. The semolina will help absorb excess moisture from the apples and provide a pleasant texture to the filling. Allow the mixture to cool.

Step 3: Preparing the caramel

7. Caramelizing the sugar: In a saucepan, place the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Once the sugar has completely melted and taken on a golden color, add the butter. Mix quickly to combine the two ingredients.

8. Add the nuts: Immediately after the butter has melted, add the crushed nuts. They will add a crunchy texture and a special flavor to the caramel.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

9. Adding the apples: After 10 minutes of baking the base, remove the tray from the oven and evenly distribute the apple filling on top. Level it with a spatula to ensure it is spread evenly.

10. Final baking: Place the tray back in the oven and bake the cake for 35 minutes. The base should be well-baked and slightly golden around the edges.

11. Finishing with caramel: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and pour the hot caramel over it. Allow the cake to sit in the warm oven for another 10 minutes to let the caramel set.

12. Cooling: Let the cake cool in the tray in which it was baked, then slice and serve with love. You can choose to serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or ice cream.

Useful tips

- Choose the apples carefully: Tart or sweet-fragrant apples are best for this recipe. Apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are excellent options.

- The caramel: It is essential not to let the caramel cool too much, as it will become solid and difficult to spread. If this happens, you can gently reheat it over low heat.

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts (almonds, hazelnuts) or add raisins or candied cherries to the apple filling for an extra flavor boost.

- Recommended drinks: This dessert pairs perfectly with a warm tea or a sweet wine that will enhance the flavors of the cake. Additionally, a coffee with milk could be an excellent choice for serving.

Nutritional information

This apple and caramel cake is a carbohydrate-rich choice, but also packed with vitamins thanks to the apples. One serving (approximately 100 g) has about 350-400 calories, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation, considering its delicious ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even plums, but make sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the chosen fruits.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

3. Is it possible to make the cake without sugar?
You can replace sugar with natural alternatives like honey or natural sweeteners, but be mindful of the final consistency of the batter.

A personal note

This apple and caramel cake is inspired by my childhood memories when my grandmother always made something special for us. The aroma of baked apples and caramel filled my heart with joy. I hope you enjoy this dessert as much as we did!

Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the batter: 5 eggs, 150g sugar, 2 vanilla pods, 1 cup oil, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup homemade apple nectar, 325g white flour, 1 baking powder. For the filling: 1.5kg apples, 100g sugar, a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, 3-4 cloves, 1 vanilla sugar, 1 cup homemade apple nectar, 5 tablespoons semolina. For the caramel: 100g sugar, 100g butter, 150-200g walnuts.

 Tags:  apple pie caramel cake