Apple and Walnut Cake

Apple and Walnut Cake – The Late Autumn Delight

Autumn is the time to count apples, and the apple and walnut cake is a perfect choice to make the most of the gifts of this beautiful season. This simple yet flavorful dessert combines the warm flavors of caramelized apples with the crunchy texture of walnuts, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or a fragrant coffee, this apple cake will warm your soul and remind you of the warm days of autumn.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 95 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 g flour
- 200 g butter (soft, cubed)
- 5 tablespoons sour cream
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 4 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one orange
- A little breadcrumbs

For the filling:
- 2 kg apples (preferably sweet and sour apples)
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- 2 vials rum essence
- Cinnamon (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preparing the apple filling:
Start by peeling the apples. It's important to keep the skin, as it adds texture and extra nutrients. Grate the apples into a large bowl, then add the 10 tablespoons of sugar. Place the mixture in a pan over medium heat and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft and release their juice (about 10-15 minutes). Add the ground walnuts, rum essence, and cinnamon, mixing well. Let it cool.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour, cubed butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, egg yolks, salt, sour cream, baking powder, and grated orange zest. Use a mixer or spatula to combine the ingredients. The dough should have a consistency that is neither too hard nor too soft, so it can be rolled out without breaking. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Shaping the dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Gently press one part of the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, forming an even layer. Use a fork to prick the dough, which helps prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 10 minutes.

4. Assembling the cake:
After the first layer of dough is baked, remove the tray from the oven. Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs over the baked dough to absorb the moisture from the apples. Evenly pour the apple and walnut filling, spreading it with a spatula to cover the entire surface.

5. Covering the cake:
Roll out the other part of the dough and use the fork again to prick the surface. Place this layer on top of the filling, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Bake the cake at 180°C (350°F) for about 50-60 minutes or until it turns golden and beautifully browned.

6. Serving:
Once you've removed the cake from the oven, let it cool completely in the tray. Cut the cake into portions and dust it with powdered vanilla sugar before serving. This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea.

Practical Tips

- Types of apples: To achieve the best flavor, choose a combination of sweet and sour apples, such as Granny Smith and Gala apples.
- Nuts: If you don’t have walnuts, you can substitute with almonds or hazelnuts for a different twist.
- Vegan option: Substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the sour cream with plant-based yogurt for a delicious vegan version.
- Storage: This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. This cake is not only a treat but also a healthier option than many other desserts, thanks to its natural ingredients and fruit content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned apples?
While it's possible to use canned apples, we recommend fresh apples for superior texture and flavor.

2. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
Gradually add flour until you achieve a workable consistency, but be careful not to add too much, as the dough may become dry.

3. How can I enhance the cake's flavor?
Add some toasted nuts or dark chocolate to the apple filling for an extra flavor boost.

This apple and walnut cake is definitely a recipe you will want to make again and again, keeping the memory of autumn alive and bringing a touch of warmth to every day. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 600 g flour 200 g butter 5 tablespoons sour cream 5 tablespoons sugar 3 egg yolks 1 packet baking powder a pinch of salt 4 packets vanilla sugar grated orange peel a little breadcrumbs filling: 2 kg apples 10 tablespoons sugar cinnamon 1 cup ground walnuts 2 bottles rum essence

 Tags:  apple pie walnut cake