Apple cake with caramel and chocolate
Caramelized Apple and Chocolate Cake - A Delight for the Soul
When it comes to desserts that combine textures and flavors, this caramelized apple and chocolate cake proves to be a perfect choice. Inspired by the desire to create something special for my father-in-law, Ion, I managed to blend the favorite ingredients into a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of happiness with every bite. I invite you to discover this hearty recipe, which promises to be a star at any festive table or simply on a quiet evening at home.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10
Ingredients
For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 170 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 20 ml warm water
For the apple filling:
- 5 apples
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 400 ml water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
For the caramel cream:
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 50 g sugar
- 300 ml milk
For the chocolate cream:
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 100 ml liquid cream
For decoration:
- 100 ml liquid cream
Preparing the Base
1. Start by preparing the base. Preheat the oven to 145 degrees Celsius. Choose a 26 cm diameter pan, which you can grease with a little oil and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until foamy. When the egg whites become firm, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and firm.
3. Separately, in another bowl, mix the egg yolks with 20 ml of warm water until creamy. Add this mixture over the whipped egg whites, gently folding with a spatula from the edges to the center.
4. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the egg mixture, mixing carefully so as not to lose the air in the composition.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Let it cool completely before cutting.
Preparing the Apple Filling
1. Peel the apples and remove the seeds, cutting them in half. Place them in a pot with water, adding the sugar and vanilla sugar. Boil for 15-20 minutes until the apples become soft.
2. After boiling, remove 100 ml of the apple syrup and let it cool. The remaining syrup will be used to soak the cake.
3. Cut the apples into small cubes and return them to the pot with the remaining syrup. Dissolve the cornstarch in the 100 ml of cold syrup and add it to the apples. Let it boil for a few minutes until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Preparing the Caramel Cream
1. In a saucepan, caramelize 4 tablespoons of sugar over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. When the sugar turns golden, add the flour, mixing well.
2. Slowly pour in the milk and add the butter. Don't worry if the sugar hardens; continue stirring over low heat, and it will gradually melt. Cook until the cream thickens, stirring continuously. If it thickens too much, you can add a little milk.
3. Once the cream is ready, let it cool.
Preparing the Chocolate Cream
1. Melt the chocolate with the milk over low heat, stirring constantly. Once the chocolate has completely melted, add the liquid cream and mix until smooth.
Assembling the Cake
1. Cut the base into three equal slices. Place the first slice on a serving platter and soak it with the apple syrup. Spread the apple filling over it, then add the second slice of base, which you soak again.
2. Spread the caramel cream over the second slice of base, followed by the third slice (which does not need soaking). Pour the warm chocolate cream over the cake, reserving a few tablespoons for decoration.
3. Whip the 100 ml of liquid cream until firm. Mix two tablespoons of whipped cream with the remaining chocolate cream and use the mixture to coat the sides of the cake. Decorate with the remaining whipped cream on top.
4. Let the cake rest in the fridge for a few hours; ideally, you should leave it overnight for the flavors to combine perfectly.
Serving and Variations
This caramelized apple and chocolate cake can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will add a creamy and refreshing touch. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will complement the tasting experience perfectly.
Tips and Tricks
- If you want to make the cake even more special, you can add nuts or caramelized hazelnuts between the layers of cream for an extra crunch and flavor.
- For a healthier version, replace the sugar in the creams with honey or natural sweeteners, being careful to adjust the amount of liquids in the recipe.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the cooking process to achieve a uniform composition.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of cake contains approximately 350 calories, providing a combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins. The apples contribute a significant amount of fiber and vitamins, while the chocolate adds antioxidants. This cake can be enjoyed in moderation, being a delicious option for any occasion.
Now that you have learned all the details about this wonderful recipe for caramelized apple and chocolate cake, I can only wish you happy cooking! May each bite bring smiles and warmth to the hearts of your loved ones.
Ingredients: For the base: 6 eggs, 170g flour, 150g sugar, 1 baking powder, 20ml warm water. For the caramel cream: 4 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 50g sugar, 300ml milk. For the apple cream: 5 apples, 2 tablespoons of starch, 400ml water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar. For the chocolate cream: 100g milk chocolate, 50g dark chocolate, 3 tablespoons of milk, 100ml liquid cream. For decoration: 100ml liquid cream.
