Apple cake with caramel cream

Apple Cake with Caramel Cream: A Refreshing Delight

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines the sweet taste of caramelized apples with a fine, fluffy cream? The apple cake with caramel cream is a true culinary indulgence, perfect for any occasion. This simple yet spectacular recipe draws inspiration from a classic cake, which I have adapted to deliver a flawless result. Let's discover together the steps to create this refined dessert.

The History of the Dessert

Caramel desserts have been appreciated over time for their velvety texture and sweet flavor, often served during festive moments. The combination of apples and caramel brings a note of freshness and a perfect contrast between the intense sweetness of the caramel and the natural acidity of the apples. This cake is an ideal choice for summer lunches, family gatherings, or simply to treat yourself after a long day.

Ingredients

For the caramel:
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of water

For the caramel cream:
- 6 eggs
- 700 ml of milk
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 4 large apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples for better taste)

For the cake base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla Creme Ole (cold cream powder from Dr. Oetker)

For decoration:
- 300 ml of liquid cream

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Caramel
Start by preparing the caramel. Place the sugar in a small saucepan, adding a tablespoon of water. Use low heat to avoid burning the sugar. Stir constantly with a wooden spatula until the sugar melts and turns a light golden color. Be careful not to let it become too dark, as it may develop a bitter taste.

Once the caramel is ready, pour it evenly into the bottom of a rectangular baking dish (25 cm x 35 cm) and set it aside to cool.

2. Preparing the Apples
Peel the apples and slice them thinly. Arrange the apple slices over the cooled caramel in an orderly fashion to create a pleasing appearance. This step not only enhances the presentation but also intensifies the flavor of the cake.

3. Preparing the Caramel Cream
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar on high speed. Add the milk and vanilla essence, mixing on low speed until the mixture becomes homogeneous. This cream will act as a soft and creamy layer between the apples and the cake base.

Remove the baking dish from the oven where you placed the apples and carefully pour the cream mixture over the apples. Place the dish back in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the cream is set but still slightly soft.

4. Preparing the Cake Base
While the cream is baking, you can prepare the cake base. Beat the egg whites until stiff with the sugar. Gradually add the egg yolks, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add the vanilla Creme Ole powder and mix until you obtain a homogeneous batter.

When the cream is almost ready, carefully pour the batter over the hot cream in the dish. Bake everything for 25 minutes, and to check if it's done, you can do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

5. Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the cake cool at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator, ideally overnight. This will allow the flavors to blend and the cake to set. The next day, invert the cake onto a platter and decorate it with whipped cream, creating an elegant and appetizing appearance.

Practical Tips

- Choose the right apples: Sweet apples, such as Golden or Gala, are ideal for this recipe as they caramelize beautifully without becoming too mushy.
- Caramel: If the caramel becomes too dark, do not use it; it will alter the taste of the dessert. Low heat is essential!
- Variations: You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples to give them an even more intense flavor. You can also replace the vanilla cream with chocolate cream for a decadent touch.

Pairings and Serving

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm caramel sauce. It can be served alongside a fragrant tea or an espresso for a complete culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use apples from other varieties?
Yes, but make sure to choose apples with a good balance between sweetness and acidity.

- How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

- Can it be frozen?
Although it is best fresh, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to consume it within a month to preserve its texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is rich in vitamins due to the apples, which are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber. Eggs and milk provide protein and calcium, while sugar offers the necessary energy for an active day. Like any dessert, it should be consumed in moderation, but it is a better choice than many other processed sweets.

I wish you success in making this apple cake with caramel cream! Each bite is an explosion of flavors that will make you return to the recipe again and again. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For caramel: 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of water. For burnt sugar cream: 6 eggs, 700 ml of milk, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 1 vial of vanilla essence, 4 large apples. For the base: 6 eggs, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla Creme Ole (cold preparation cream powder from Dr. Oetker). For decoration: 300 ml of liquid cream.