Apple and walnut cake, vegan

The apple and walnut cake for fasting is a delicious recipe, full of flavors, combining the scent of fresh apples with the crunch of walnuts, all in an easy-to-make dessert. This cake is not just a sweet indulgence, but also an excellent choice for those observing a fasting diet or simply wanting to enjoy a healthier dessert. Moreover, with a little skill and a few simple ingredients, you will achieve a result that will impress everyone!

The history of the apple and walnut cake

Apples have been cultivated for thousands of years, and their use in desserts is an ancient tradition. Combining apples with walnuts offers not only an interesting texture but also a complex flavor due to the balance between the sweetness of the apples and the intense aroma of the walnuts. This cake is often associated with the autumn season when apples are in season and their aromatic qualities reach their peak.

Preparation time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40-50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake batter:

- 4 cups of grated apples (approximately 1100 g)
- 1 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts (approximately 170 g)
- 3 cups of sugar (approximately 900 g)
- 3 cups of flour (approximately 660 g)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (approximately 3 g)

For the syrup:

- 20 tablespoons of sugar
- 20 tablespoons of water
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (heaped)
- 2 tablespoons of oil

Necessary utensils

- Baking tray (size 27/37 cm)
- Large bowl
- Grater
- Mixer or spatula for mixing
- Small pot for syrup
- Oven

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the apples. Wash them well, then remove the skin, core, and seeds. Grate them into a large bowl. Make sure the apples are well-drained to prevent the cake from becoming too wet.

2. Preparing the walnuts: Break the walnuts and chop them coarsely. They will add a crunchy texture to the cake. If you prefer, you can lightly toast the walnuts in a pan without oil to enhance the flavor.

3. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). It's important to have the oven hot before putting in the cake for even baking.

4. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the grated apples, chopped walnuts, sugar, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix everything by hand or with a spatula until the ingredients are well combined. The batter should have a uniform, slightly sticky consistency.

5. Preparing the tray: Grease the baking tray with oil to prevent the cake from sticking. You can use a paper towel to evenly distribute the oil over the entire surface of the tray.

6. Pouring the mixture: Pour the batter into the prepared tray, leveling it with a spatula to achieve an even surface.

7. Baking the cake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 40-50 minutes. You can check if it’s done using a stick or a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

8. Cooling the cake: Once the cake has turned a nice golden brown, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Preparing the syrup: In a small pot, combine the sugar, water, cocoa, and oil. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Once it starts to boil, let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it becomes syrupy.

10. Finishing the cake: Pour the hot syrup over the cooled cake. Let it soak in, and the cake will become moist and flavorful. For a more attractive look, you can add walnut pieces on top as decoration.

Serving and suggestions

The apple and walnut cake for fasting is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast of temperatures. It is also perfect alongside a warm drink, such as apple tea or a vegan cappuccino.

Nutritional benefits

This cake has the benefits of apples, which are rich in fiber and vitamins, as well as walnuts, which contain healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants. Additionally, being a fasting recipe, it is an excellent choice for those looking to avoid dairy or eggs.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can substitute walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.

- What other flavors can I add? You can experiment with vanilla or ground ginger to provide a different taste.

- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen in small portions. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent excessive freezing.

Variations

To customize the cake, you can add raisins or dark chocolate pieces for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for a higher fiber content.

In conclusion, the apple and walnut cake for fasting is not just a simple recipe, but also a dish full of history and tradition, perfect for any occasion. Don't forget to share your creation with family and friends, and their feedback will surely make you shine even more! Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: Dough for cake: 4 cups of grated apples (1100 g); 1 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts (170 g); 3 cups of sugar (900 g); 3 cups of flour (660 g); a pinch of baking powder (10 g); 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (3 g). Syrup: 20 tablespoons of sugar (grated); 20 tablespoons of water; 1 tablespoon of cocoa (heaped); 2 tablespoons of oil. Pan size: 27/37 cm.