Apple walnut cake with grated dough

Apple, walnut, and meringue cake - a delicacy that combines crunchy textures with the inviting flavors of apples and walnuts. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family meals to parties with friends. It is an easy cake to prepare, but with a taste that will surely impress. Let's venture together into the world of cooking, step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 700 g all-purpose flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter
- 100 g lard
- 6 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart apples)
- 100 g raisins
- 150 g walnuts (freshly roasted)
- 2-3 tablespoons semolina
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 essence of rum
- Ground cinnamon (to taste)

For the meringue:
- 6 egg whites
- 150 g sugar
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the walnuts: Start by roasting the walnuts. Place them in a dry pan and roast over low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and crunchy. Let them cool, then crush them between your fingers to obtain large pieces that will add texture to the cake.

2. Hydrating the raisins: In a small bowl, soak the raisins in warm water with a little rum essence. Let them swell for 15 minutes, then drain well before mixing with the apples. This step will add a flavorful note and natural sweetness to the filling.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and powdered sugar. Add the egg yolks, melted (but cooled) butter, and lard. Knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous and no longer sticks to your fingers. Reserve about 1/4 of the dough for decoration, wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the fridge.

4. Preparing the dough sheet: Line a 45x30 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Roll out the remaining dough in the tray, ensuring that you evenly cover the base. Use a rolling pin to achieve a thin sheet.

5. Apple filling: Grate the apples on a large grater, skin and all. Mix them in a bowl with the semolina, vanilla sugar, crushed walnuts, cinnamon, and hydrated raisins. This combination will add moisture and flavor to the cake.

6. Assembling the cake: Spread the apple filling over the dough sheets in the tray, smoothing it evenly.

7. Preparing the meringue: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This will create a delicate, sweet layer on top of the apples.

8. Finalizing the cake: Spread the meringue over the apples in the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula or spoon. Remove the dough from the fridge and grate it over the meringue. This layer will create a crunchy crust and make the cake even more appealing.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160°C. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes until the meringue turns golden and the top dough takes on a beautiful amber hue.

10. Cooling: Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray for 15 minutes before slicing. This step is essential to avoid cracking the meringue.

Serving and suggestions

This apple and walnut cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for a perfect contrast of flavors. A cup of tea or coffee will also complement this delicacy wonderfully.

Recipe variations

- Replace walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of cocoa to the dough for a chocolate-flavored cake.
- Experiment with various spices, such as ginger or nutmeg, to customize the flavor.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is packed with nutrients thanks to the apples and walnuts. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while walnuts provide essential fatty acids and protein. Additionally, the reduced sugar content in the filling makes this cake a healthier choice compared to other traditional desserts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use canned apples?
Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

How can I store the cake?
You can store it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.

Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. I recommend slicing it before freezing to make it easier to serve.

Now it's time to start cooking! Your apple, walnut, and meringue cake will surely be a hit among your loved ones. Don't forget to share the final result on social media! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: -for the dough: 700 g white flour, 1 packet baking powder, 200 g powdered sugar, 200 g butter, 100 g lard, 6 egg yolks, a pinch of salt - for the filling: 1.5 kg apples, 100 g raisins, 150 g walnuts, 2-3 tablespoons semolina, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 essence of rum, ground cinnamon - for the meringue: 6 egg whites, 150 g sugar, a pinch of salt