Apple cake with meringue

Apple Meringue Cake: A Warm and Aromatic Delight

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of baked apples mixed with caramel and meringue? This apple meringue cake recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a work of art that will impress any guest. Whether it's a special celebration or an ordinary day when you want to indulge yourself, this cake is the perfect choice.

Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 10

Ingredients:

*For the sponge cake:*
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons fructose (or sugar, to taste)
- 50 ml oil
- 70 ml milk
- A handful of raisins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 10 tablespoons flour
- 10 g baking powder

*For the caramelized apples:*
- 6 apples
- 4-5 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Chopped nuts (to taste)
- Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger (optional, for flavor)

*For the vanilla cream:*
- 750 ml milk
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 whole egg
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 vanilla pod
- 3 tablespoons fructose
- 30 g butter

*For the meringue:*
- 5 egg whites
- 150 g powdered sugar
- A handful of roughly chopped nuts

*For decoration:*
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g sugar

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Sponge Cake:
Start by preheating the oven to 170 degrees Celsius, set to fan mode. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the fructose until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously, as you would for mayonnaise, to incorporate air effectively.

Add the milk and continue mixing. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and cinnamon, then gradually fold them into the wet mixture. Finally, add the raisins and gently mix to distribute them evenly.

Pour the batter into a round cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

2. Caramelizing the Apples:
Meanwhile, peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into cubes. In a skillet, caramelize the brown sugar until it turns golden, then add the apples, nuts, and butter. Mix well to coat the apples with caramel.

Add any desired spices for extra flavor. Once the apples have softened, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Making the Vanilla Cream:
In a saucepan, bring 750 ml of milk to a boil along with the split vanilla pod. In another bowl, mix the whole egg and egg yolks with the fructose, then add 150 ml of milk and flour, mixing well to avoid lumps.

Once the milk has started to boil, remove the vanilla pod and add the egg mixture. Stir continuously until the cream thickens. Allow it to cool, and when it's warm, add the cubed butter and mix until fully melted.

4. Preparing the Meringue:
Beat the 5 egg whites until you achieve stiff peaks. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the meringue becomes glossy. Gently fold in the chopped nuts.

On a sheet of parchment paper, draw a circle slightly larger than the cake pan. Spread the meringue onto this sheet and bake at 90 degrees Celsius for 2-3 hours, leaving the oven door slightly ajar at the end to allow it to harden.

5. Assembling the Cake:
Once the sponge cake has cooled, place it on a serving platter. Top it with the caramelized apples, followed by the vanilla cream. Refrigerate the cake for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Place the baked meringue on top of the vanilla cream.

6. Decorating:
Beat the two egg whites with the sugar until you achieve a firm and decorative foam. You can choose to use it raw or cook it in a double boiler for a finer texture. Use this foam to decorate the cake all around.

Serving Suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A warm drink, such as spiced apple tea or mulled wine, complements this delicacy beautifully.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform texture.
- You can substitute apples with pears or peaches to vary the recipe.
- Experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to add a personal touch.

Nutritional Notes:
This apple meringue cake recipe is a delicious combination of carbohydrates from the apples and flour, proteins from the eggs, and healthy fats from the nuts and butter. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a less sweet dessert that is still full of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use sugar instead of fructose? Yes, you can adapt the recipe to your preferences, but you will achieve a different level of sweetness.
- Can the cake be made in advance? Definitely! The cake keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Now you're ready to make this apple meringue cake, a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but will also turn any meal into a true culinary spectacle!

 Ingredients: Sponge Cake: 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons fructose, 50 ml oil, 70 ml milk, a handful of raisins, cinnamon, 10 tablespoons flour, 10 g baking powder. Caramelized Apples: 6 apples, 4-5 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, crushed nuts, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger. Vanilla Cream: 750 ml milk, 6 tablespoons flour, 1 whole egg, 2 egg yolks, 1 vanilla pod, 3 tablespoons fructose, 30 g butter. Meringue: 5 egg whites, 150 g powdered sugar, a handful of roughly chopped nuts. Decoration: 2 egg whites, 100 g sugar.

 Tags:  apple pie meringue cake