Apple cake with Nutella cream
Apple Cake with Nutella Cream - A Delicacy Dedicated to Family Love
At first glance, a cake may seem like just a dessert, but for me, this Apple Cake with Nutella Cream represents much more. It is a celebration of life, a family story, and a gift full of love for my mother and granddaughter, who share the same birthday, March 3rd. My mother, at 81 years old, and my granddaughter, at just 3 years old, teach us all a lesson about the joy and beauty of moments spent together. This cake is perfect for marking special occasions or simply to add a touch of magic to everyday life.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Apple Cake with Nutella Cream, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 large apples (choose sweet apples like Golden or Fuji for a special taste)
- 15 tablespoons of sugar (divided into two parts: 7 tablespoons for caramelization and 8 tablespoons for sponge cake and cream)
- 5 eggs (ideally at room temperature for better beating)
- 7 tablespoons of flour (preferably white flour type 000)
- 4 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil is a good choice)
- 500 g sweet cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta works excellently)
- 4 tablespoons of Nutella (or more, to taste)
- 250 ml liquid cream (for a fluffy topping)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended for flavor)
- Cinnamon (for a warm and comforting taste)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Decorative candies and candied fruits (for a festive look)
Step by Step - Your Guide to a Perfect Cake
1. Preparing the Caramelized Apples
Start by peeling and slicing the apples. I recommend using a sharp knife to get even slices. This will help with even baking. In a saucepan, caramelize 7 tablespoons of sugar over medium heat. Watch closely as the sugar turns into a golden syrup, stirring gently to avoid burning. Once the sugar is caramelized, add the apple slices, cinnamon, and vanilla sugar. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
2. Preparing the Sponge Cake
In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until you get a firm foam. Gradually add 8 tablespoons of sugar and continue mixing until they become glossy. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil, then incorporate the egg white mixture. Add the flour mixed with the baking powder, using a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid losing air from the mixture.
3. Baking the Cake
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Pour the sponge cake mixture over the caramelized apples in the baking dish, ensuring even coverage. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a serving plate.
4. Preparing the Nutella Cream
In a bowl, combine the sweet cheese with 4 tablespoons of Nutella, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and the rum essence. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. This mixture will give the cake a richness and divine taste.
5. Assembling the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, evenly cover it with the Nutella cream using a spatula. Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm, then use a piping bag to decorate the top of the cake. Add decorative candies and candied fruits for an attractive look.
6. Serving
Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to cool completely and allow the flavors to meld. Serve it alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee for a moment of indulgence.
Practical Tips
- Choosing the Apples: Choose sweet and crunchy apples for better taste. Tart apples can add a pleasant contrast, but make sure to balance the sweetness with the right amount of sugar.
- The Cream: If you want a creamier version, you can add a bit of Greek yogurt to the cream for a richer texture.
- Variations: You can replace Nutella with other chocolate creams or even a cream cheese for a different flavor. You can also add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the sponge cake for added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with pears or peaches, and fruit combinations are always welcome.
2. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed within the first 2 days to enjoy its freshness.
3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
An espresso coffee or a fruit tea can perfectly accompany this dessert. Additionally, a sweet wine could be an interesting option.
Nutritional Benefits
This cake, rich in apples, offers fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthier option compared to other sugar-rich desserts. The sweet cheese adds protein and calcium, while Nutella, although delicious, should be consumed in moderation.
In conclusion, this Apple Cake with Nutella Cream is not just a dessert, but an experience, a way to create memories and bring joy to the family. So, embrace the culinary essence of love and prepare this wonderful cake! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 6 large apples, 15 tablespoons of sugar, 5 eggs, 7 tablespoons of flour, 4 tablespoons of oil, 500 g sweet cheese, 4 tablespoons of Nutella, 250 ml liquid cream, 1 packet of baking powder, rum essence, cinnamon, 1 sachet of vanilla sugar, on top I added decorative candies and candied fruits.
