Apple and Walnut Cake

Apple and Walnut Cake - A Flavorful and Comforting Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today we will venture into making an apple and walnut cake, a simple yet flavorful dessert that reminds us of warm autumn days when apples are in season and the smell of cinnamon fills our homes with warmth. This cake is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making it ideal for both family gatherings and parties with friends.

About the recipe
The apple and walnut cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, being prepared by generations. Every housewife has her own version, but today I will share my recipe, which includes simple ingredients and accessible techniques to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons lard (you can also use butter for a richer taste)
- 100 ml milk
- 1 egg
- Zest of one lemon
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you prefer the cake)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or nutmeg/ginger powder, to taste)

*For the filling:*
- 1.5 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples)
- Sugar (depending on the sweetness of the apples and your preferences)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 200 g walnuts (coarsely chopped and toasted)

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough
Start by mixing the flour with the baking powder in a large bowl. This will be the base of your cake, so make sure the ingredients are well integrated. In another bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm milk, then pour the mixture over the flour. Add the lard cut into cubes, the lightly beaten egg, lemon zest, and cinnamon.

2. Kneading the dough
Using a spatula or your hands, mix the ingredients until you obtain a compact and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too soft, don't hesitate to add 1-2 tablespoons of flour. Kneading is an important step, so don't rush! You can also use a food processor, but manual kneading gives a special connection to the recipe.

3. Resting the dough
Once you have obtained a homogeneous dough, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help the dough become easier to roll out and will give it a better texture.

4. Preparing the apple filling
Meanwhile, peel the apples and grate them on a large grater. If the apples are very juicy, squeeze them a little to remove the excess water. In a pot, add the grated apples, sugar, and cinnamon, then sauté them over medium heat until they become soft, but do not let them turn into puree. Once ready, let them cool, then add the semolina and mix well.

5. Preparing the walnuts
Coarsely chop the walnuts and toast them in a dry pan, being careful not to burn them. Add the toasted walnuts to the cooled apple mixture and combine everything.

6. Assembling the cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Take a 30x25 cm baking dish, which should be clean and dry. There is no need to grease it or use baking paper. Roll out half of the dough on the bottom of the dish, ensuring you form an even base. With a fork, prick the dough in several places to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Adding the filling
On top of the dough in the dish, add the apple and walnut mixture, leveling it well. Then, roll out the other half of the dough on top, pricking it again with a fork to allow steam to escape.

8. Baking
Place the cake in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and beautifully browned. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during baking is simply irresistible!

9. Cooling and serving
Once the cake is ready, let it cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares or diamonds.

Serving suggestions
This apple and walnut cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add some raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for a pleasant contrast. You can also replace the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, while walnuts are an excellent source of protein, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Thus, this cake is not only a delight but also a healthier choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with different apple varieties, but choosing sweet and aromatic apples will make the cake even better.

2. What do I do if the dough is too wet?
If the dough is sticky, you can gradually add flour until you achieve the desired consistency.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for a few days. You can also freeze it for later use.

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
This cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a creamy cappuccino, but you can also enjoy it with a glass of sweet wine.

I hope you found this recipe engaging and useful! I wish you much success in the kitchen and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: -500 g flour -1 baking powder -4 tablespoons lard -100ml milk -1 egg -zest of one lemon -3-4 tablespoons sugar -1 teaspoon cinnamon/nutmeg/ginger powder For the filling -1.5kg apples -sugar (depending on the sweetness of the apples and your taste) -1 teaspoon cinnamon -2 tablespoons semolina -200 g walnuts