Apple and Walnut Cake

Apple and Walnut Cake - A Fragrant Childhood Delight

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

Who doesn’t love the warm aroma of baked apples, mixed with a hint of cinnamon? Apple and walnut cake is a classic recipe that reminds us of family moments around Sunday dinners. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee, being a dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of apples with the crunch of walnuts.

Necessary Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 2 large eggs
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- 9 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 12 tablespoons of milk (can also be plant-based milk)
- 12 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

*For the filling:*
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 kg of apples (preferably sweet-sour apples)
- 200 g of ground walnuts
- Cinnamon (to taste)

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the apples:
- Wash the apples well, peel them, and grate them.
- Place them in a pan with 5 tablespoons of sugar and a little cinnamon (feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste).
- Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until they soften slightly. Let them cool.

2. Preheating the oven:
- Set the oven to 180°C to preheat while you prepare the dough.

3. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, oil, and salt using a mixer until you get a creamy and fluffy mixture.
- Mix the baking powder with the flour and gradually add them to the egg mixture, stirring with a spatula until well combined. Then add the lemon zest and vanilla sugar.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper (recommended size: 30x40 cm).
- Pour half of the dough into the tray and level it evenly. Sprinkle half of the ground walnuts over the dough in the tray.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

5. Adding the apples:
- Remove the tray from the oven and add the sautéed apples on top of the semi-baked layer.
- Pour the remaining dough over the apples and sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top.

6. Final baking:
- Continue baking for 30 minutes or until the cake turns golden and bakes evenly. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done (if it comes out clean, the cake is baked).

7. Cooling and serving:
- Let the cake cool in the tray for about 20 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cut the cake into servings and serve it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top or with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Useful Tip:
To achieve an even more intense flavor, you can also add some pecans or ground almonds to the filling. Additionally, by replacing some of the apples with pears, you can achieve an even more complex flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, while walnuts provide a healthy dose of omega-3 fats and protein. This cake is not only delicious but also full of nutrients!

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits like pears or peaches.
- How can I store the cake? You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Possible Variations:
Instead of oil, you can use melted butter for a richer taste. You can also add a splash of rum or vanilla essence to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

This apple and walnut cake is not just a dessert; it’s a family story, a moment of joy shared with loved ones. I invite you to make it and create beautiful memories with your dear ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 2 eggs, 9 tablespoons of sugar, 9 tablespoons of oil, 12 tablespoons of milk, 12 tablespoons of flour, 1 baking powder, 1 pinch of salt, lemon zest, 2 packets of vanilla sugar. For the filling: 5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 kg of apples, 200 g of chopped walnuts, cinnamon.