Vanilla cake with apples, dried plums, and walnuts

Vanilla Cake with Apples, Dried Plums, and Walnuts

I invite you to discover a delicious vanilla cake recipe, a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will delight your senses and bring a touch of joy to any moment of the day. This cake, enriched with juicy apples, sweet dried plums, and crunchy walnuts, is ideal to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself and your loved ones, this recipe will not disappoint.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 185 g butter (82% fat), cut into cubes and left at room temperature
- 285 g flour, sifted
- 1 egg
- 70 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons mineral water
- 1 packet of vanilla or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Grated zest of one orange
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Butter for greasing the pan

For the filling:
- 12 fresh apples
- 1 kg dried plums
- A few teaspoons of brown sugar
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- A small cup of walnuts, chopped
- A few biscuits (optional, for added texture)
- Vanilla (to taste)
- Powdered vanilla sugar for decoration

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the cubed butter with the sifted flour, salt, and baking powder. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This is an essential technique that will ensure a tender texture for your cake.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
Add the egg, sugar, mineral water, vanilla, and orange zest to the flour mixture. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky; that’s normal!

3. Chilling the dough:
Sprinkle a little cornstarch or flour on a work surface and form a ball from the dough. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a cake that is easy to handle.

4. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, wash the apples and grate them with the skin on – this will add wonderful flavor to the cake. Cut the dried plums into small cubes to distribute them evenly in the filling. If you choose to use biscuits, crush them with a blender or a rolling pin.

5. Assembling the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). On a surface sprinkled with cornstarch and flour, roll out the dough into a sheet about 1 cm thick. Carefully transfer it to a greased and floured pan.

6. Adding the filling:
Place the chopped plums on the dough, then add the apples. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and crushed biscuits on top. This will create a crunchy and delicious crust.

7. Baking the cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden and the filling is well cooked. It is important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to allow the cake to rise evenly.

8. Cooling and serving:
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust it with powdered vanilla sugar for a festive look.

Useful tips

- Fresh ingredients: Make sure the apples are fresh and juicy to provide an intense flavor to your cake.
- Customization: You can also add other dried fruits, such as apricots or raisins, to vary the flavor of the cake.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea will perfectly complement the taste.

Nutritional benefits

This cake contains nutritious ingredients. Apples provide fiber and vitamins, while walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Dried plums are known for their digestive properties, making them a beneficial ingredient for health.

Frequently asked questions

- How can I store the cake? The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
- Can I replace the butter? You can use margarine or coconut oil for a healthier option, but the texture of the cake will be different.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and filling, or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

By making this vanilla cake with apples, dried plums, and walnuts, you not only enjoy a delicious dessert but also a pleasant experience in the kitchen. So put on your apron and enjoy every step of this process!

 Ingredients: Dough: 185 g butter (82% fat) 285 g flour 1 egg 70 g sugar 3 tablespoons mineral water vanilla orange peel a pinch of salt a teaspoon of baking powder butter for greasing the tray Filling: 12 apples 1 kg dried plums a few teaspoons of brown sugar cinnamon a cup of walnuts a few biscuits (optional) vanilla powdered sugar for decoration

 Tags:  vanilla cake with apples dried plums and walnut cake vanilla apples plum dried.nut