Apple pie with mascarpone cream
Apple Cake with Mascarpone Cream – An Unforgettable Delight
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8
When you think of a dessert that combines the warm flavors of caramelized apples with a delicate cream, the apple cake with mascarpone cream becomes a perfect choice. This recipe is not only simple but also a wonderful way to transform leftover apples in your fruit basket into a treat loved by the whole family. Let's see how we can prepare it step by step!
A Brief History of Apple Cake
Apple cake is a classic dessert that has been cherished for generations. Its origins are often hidden in the simple history of cooking, where seasonal fruits were used to create sweet dishes. Caramelizing the apples adds depth and intense flavor, and the combination with mascarpone cream makes each slice a true experience to savor. This cake can be served on special occasions or simply as a sweet indulgence on an ordinary day.
Necessary Ingredients
*For the base:*
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons of sugar
3 tablespoons of flour
1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar (ideally made at home from 500 g of powdered sugar and 4 split vanilla pods)
*For the caramelized apples:*
6 apples (choose firm and aromatic apples)
3 tablespoons of sugar
40 g of butter
2-3 tablespoons of sour cherry jam (optional but recommended for added flavor)
*For the mascarpone cream:*
500 g of mascarpone
200 ml of heavy cream
3 tablespoons of powdered sugar with vanilla flavor
Step by Step - Preparing the Apple Cake
1. Caramelizing the Apples
Start by placing 3 tablespoons of sugar in a 22 cm diameter saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar becomes fluid and takes on a golden color, similar to amber. Once it reaches this hue, remove the saucepan from the heat and, using circular motions, coat the edges of the saucepan with caramel. Let it cool.
2. Preparing the Apples
Wash, peel, and core the 6 apples. Arrange them in the saucepan, around the edges, with one apple in the center. Each apple can have a small piece of butter placed in the hole left after coring, along with 2-3 tablespoons of sour cherry jam. This will add a special flavor and pleasant moisture.
3. Baking the Apples
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the saucepan with the caramelized apples in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the apples become slightly soft.
4. Preparing the Base
While the apples are in the oven, prepare the base. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a stiff meringue. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whip. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the egg yolks, followed by the vanilla sugar. Finally, add the flour, gently folding from the bottom up until the mixture becomes homogeneous.
5. Assembling the Cake
Remove the saucepan from the oven and pour the batter over the caramelized apples. Continue baking the cake at 180 degrees for another 20-25 minutes, or until the base turns golden and passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick comes out clean).
6. Cooling and Inverting the Cake
Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the saucepan, then place a plate on top of the saucepan and invert it with a firm motion. Now you can see the caramelized apples shining on top of the cake.
7. Preparing the Mascarpone Cream
In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until it thickens. Gradually add the mascarpone, continuously mixing until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream.
8. Finalizing the Cake
Spread the mascarpone cream over the cooled cake, smoothing it with a knife or spatula. If desired, you can add chocolate or fresh fruit decorations for an attractive appearance.
Serving Suggestions
The apple cake with mascarpone cream is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a contrast of flavors. A cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will perfectly complement this dessert.
Tips and Tricks
- Use apples of different varieties for a more complex flavor. Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, are excellent for balancing sweetness.
- If you want a moister cake, you can add a splash of lemon juice or a little rum to the mascarpone cream.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform texture in the mascarpone cream.
Nutritional Information
This cake contains approximately 350 calories per serving (not including any toppings or ice cream). It is a good source of carbohydrates from fruits, healthy fats from mascarpone, and proteins from eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, but the baking time may vary.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
3. Is it possible to make it without sugar?
You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners, but check the quantities as they may vary.
This apple cake with mascarpone cream is a recipe that combines tradition with a touch of innovation, bringing a memorable taste in every slice. I invite you to prepare it and share its joy with your loved ones!
Ingredients: Base: 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons sugar for the base, 3 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar. Caramelized Apples: 6 apples, 3 tablespoons sugar, cherry jam, 40 g butter. Cream S: 200 g whipped cream, 500 g mascarpone, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar with vanilla flavor.
