Apple pie with caramelized nuts

Apple and Caramelized Walnut Cake: An Autumn Delight

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Number of Servings: 12-16

Welcome to our kitchen, where we will create a delicious cake, perfect for the cool autumn evenings! The apple and caramelized walnut cake is a recipe that brings a touch of nostalgia, being a favorite among many home cooks. This cake is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, with a fluffy texture and a crunchy note from the caramelized walnuts. Let's start our culinary journey!

A Brief History of the Recipe

Apple cakes have a long history, being prepared in various forms over time. Apples, beloved and versatile fruits, have been added to various batters, and the combination with walnuts quickly became a classic. Caramelizing the walnuts provides a perfect contrast between crunchy and soft, turning each bite into a true delicacy. Additionally, it is an excellent recipe to make the most of seasonal apples!

Ingredients

For the Dough:
- 500 g flour
- 250 g butter at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 tablespoons white wine (or you can substitute with 3 tablespoons mineral water + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 2 egg yolks
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 1 pinch of salt

For the Filling:
- 2 kg apples (choose tart apples for a balanced taste)
- Sugar to taste (depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 2-3 tablespoons oil

For Decoration:
- 2 egg whites + 2 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g walnuts (100 g ground, 100 g caramelized)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine evenly.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg yolks, diced butter, sour cream, wine (or mineral water with vinegar), and vanilla essence.
3. Knead the dough: Use your hands to mix the ingredients until the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. If it feels too sticky, add a little flour gradually.
4. Rest in the fridge: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1.5 - 2 hours. This will help the dough become easier to roll out and improve the final texture of the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Clean the apples: Wash the apples well, then peel them and grate them using a large grater. This will help create a fine and flavorful filling.
2. Cook the apples: In a pot, place the grated apples, sugar (to taste), and the 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Put the pot on low heat and stir occasionally until the apples soften slightly and sauté. This step will enhance the flavor of the apples.
3. Cool the filling: Once the apples are ready, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool. Then, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm up a bit.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Divide the dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into two equal parts and roll each part into a thin sheet.
2. Prepare the tray: Line a 26x39 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Place the first sheet of dough in the tray, making a few holes with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3. Add the filling: Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the first sheet of dough.
4. Cover the cake: Place the second sheet of dough on top of the filling and pierce it again with a fork.

Step 4: Prepare the Decoration

1. Beat the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the 2 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.
2. Add the meringue over the cake: Pour the beaten egg whites over the cake in the tray, smoothing them out with a spatula.
3. Caramelize the walnuts: Grind 100 g of walnuts and sprinkle them over the meringue. Caramelize the remaining 100 g of walnuts in 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, stirring continuously until the sugar turns golden. Place them on a baking sheet to cool, then chop them lightly and sprinkle them over the cake.

Step 5: Baking

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
2. Bake the cake: Place the tray in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the dough is well baked.
3. Check if it's done: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is baked. If it comes out clean, it's ready!

Step 6: Serving and Storing

1. Cooling: Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the tray, then cut it into squares and serve with pleasure. It is delicious both warm and cold!
2. Serving suggestions: You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sour cream. A cup of tea or coffee alongside will make it even more special.

Useful Tips

- Flour: Choose high-quality flour to achieve a finer dough.
- Apples: Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, are ideal for balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
- Caramelizing the walnuts: Be careful with caramelizing; the sugar can burn quickly. Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it turns golden.

Nutritional Information

One serving of cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 350 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats from the walnuts, and vitamins from the apples. It is a delicious dessert, but consumed in moderation, it is a healthy choice!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
- Of course! You can replace the apples with pears or peaches, but adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.

2. How can I store the cake?
- Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for 5-7 days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, the cake can be frozen. Cut it into portions, wrap them in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. It will keep well for 2-3 months.

This apple and caramelized walnut cake is not just a recipe, but an experience full of flavors and aromas that will remind you of the happy autumns of childhood. I invite you to prepare it and share the joy with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: For a tray of 26x39 cm Dough: 500 g flour 250 g butter at room temperature 3 tablespoons sour cream 3 tablespoons white wine (or you can replace with 3 tablespoons sparkling water + 1 teaspoon vinegar) 2 egg yolks 10 tablespoons sugar 1 baking powder 1 packet vanilla sugar 1 vial vanilla essence 1 pinch of salt Filling: 2 kg apples sugar to taste 2-3 tablespoons oil Decoration: 2 egg whites + 2 tablespoons sugar 200 g walnuts (100g ground, and 100g caramelized with 2-3 tablespoons of sugar).