Apple cake with caramelized nuts

Apple and caramelized walnut cake - A delicacy with the scent of autumn

Who doesn’t fondly remember the cool autumn days when the aroma of fresh apples filled the air, and warm cakes brought joy to our homes? This apple and caramelized walnut cake is a recipe that combines nostalgia with flavor, offering a perfect dessert for any occasion. I dedicate this recipe to all those who love the sweet-sour taste of apples, while the caramelized walnuts add a crunchy and aromatic touch. Let's get started!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 45-50 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Number of servings: 12-14 servings

Ingredients
For the dough (for a 26x39 cm tray):
- 500 g flour
- 250 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 tablespoons white wine (or replace with 3 tablespoons mineral water + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 2 egg yolks
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 2 kg apples
- Sugar to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons oil

For decoration:
- 2 egg whites (remaining from the yolks for the dough)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g walnuts (100 g ground, and 100 g caramelized in 2-3 tablespoons sugar)

Preparing the cake

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will make the dough fluffier and easier to knead.
2. In the center of the flour, add the other ingredients: egg yolks, diced butter, sour cream, wine, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix all the ingredients with a spatula or with your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If you feel the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1.5 - 2 hours. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Wash the apples well, then peel them and grate them using a large grater.
2. Place the grated apples in a pot, add sugar to taste and the 2-3 tablespoons of oil.
3. Place the pot on low heat and let the apples soften, stirring occasionally. This process should take a few minutes.
4. Once the apples have softened, remove the pot and let the mixture cool slightly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. After the dough has been refrigerated, divide it into two equal parts and shape them into two thin sheets.
2. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature.
3. Line the tray with baking paper. Place the first sheet of dough in the tray and prick it in several places with a fork to prevent puffing.
4. Add the cooled apple filling over the first sheet of dough, spreading it evenly.
5. Cover with the second sheet of dough, which should also be pricked with a fork.
6. Whip the egg whites until frothy with the 2 tablespoons of sugar and pour them over the cake. This will create a slightly crunchy and delicious crust.

Step 4: Baking
1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for 45-50 minutes. Check occasionally to see if it is evenly browned.
2. Once the cake is ready, turn off the oven, but let it cool slightly inside.

Step 5: Caramelizing the walnuts
1. In a small saucepan, caramelize 2-3 tablespoons of sugar until golden. Add the whole walnuts and mix well to coat them in caramel.
2. Pour the walnut mixture onto baking paper and let them cool.
3. Once cooled, chop the caramelized walnuts in a food processor, but not too finely, to maintain a crunchy texture.

Step 6: Finishing the cake
1. Once the cake has cooled, sprinkle the chopped caramelized walnuts on top.
2. Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of sour cream. A perfect combination!

Useful tips
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling for an extra flavor.
- The cake can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but it is recommended to cover it to prevent drying out.
- You can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. This cake is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Of course! Pears or peaches are excellent alternatives.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and use tarter apples.

3. Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain its texture.

Possible variations
For a healthier version, you can use coconut oil instead of butter and replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Now that you have all the details, all that’s left is to get cooking! This apple and caramelized walnut cake will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, and its aroma will remind you of the beautiful moments of childhood. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough (ingredients for a 26x39cm tray): 500 g flour, 250 g soft butter at room temperature, 3 tablespoons sour cream, 3 tablespoons white wine (or replace with 3 tablespoons sparkling water + 1 teaspoon vinegar), 2 egg yolks, 10 tablespoons sugar, 1 packet baking powder, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 1 vial vanilla essence, a pinch of salt. Filling: 2 kg apples, sugar to taste, 2-3 tablespoons oil. Additionally: 2 egg whites (remaining from the yolks for the dough), 2 tablespoons sugar, 200 g walnuts (100 g ground, and 100 g caramelized in 2-3 tablespoons of sugar).

 Tags:  apple pie caramelized apples