Apple pie with meringue and walnuts

Apple and Walnut Meringue Cake - The Perfect Indulgence for Loved Ones

When it comes to desserts, there is nothing more delightful than treating your family and friends to a warm and delicious cake. Today, we will prepare an apple and walnut meringue cake, a simple and quick recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face. This cake combines the fluffy texture of meringue with the sweet-sour taste of apples and the crunch of walnuts, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the crust:*
- 400 g flour
- a pinch of salt
- ½ packet baking powder
- 180 g cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

*For the filling:*
- 1.5 kg apples (choose sweet or sour apples according to preference)
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar (can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 6 egg whites
- a pinch of salt
- 12 tablespoons sugar (for meringue)
- 150 g ground walnuts

Recipe story:
This apple and walnut meringue cake is a classic of homemade desserts, often associated with family indulgence moments. Apples, a versatile ingredient, are frequently used in cakes due to their unmistakable flavor. The walnut meringue adds a pleasant contrast and a crunchy texture, transforming a simple dessert into a true delicacy.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the crust: In a large bowl, sift the flour. Add a pinch of salt, sugar, and baking powder. These dry ingredients will ensure a good texture for the crust.
2. Cut the cold butter into cubes and add it to the flour. Using your fingers, crumble the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. This is the key to a tender crust.
3. Make a well in the center of the mixture and add the beaten egg. Mix gently with a spatula or your hands until the ingredients combine.
4. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

5. Preparing the filling: Wash, peel, and grate the apples using a large-hole grater. Place them in a pot along with the sugar and cook over medium heat until the released juice reduces almost completely. This process will intensify the flavor of the apples.
6. Once the apples have cooled, add the cinnamon and vanilla sugar for extra flavor. Mix well and set the mixture aside.

7. Preparing the meringue: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue that forms soft peaks.
8. Add the ground walnuts to the meringue and gently fold in from the top down to maintain the aeration of the mixture.

9. Assembling the cake: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a rectangular shape that fits the baking tray (25x35 cm). Line the tray with parchment paper and spread the dough evenly.
10. Sprinkle semolina over the dough to absorb the apple juice. Pour the cooled apple mixture, leveling it evenly. Then, add the walnut meringue on top, spreading it with a spatula.

11. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes or until the meringue becomes slightly crispy and brown on top. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to avoid deflating the meringue.

12. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. Serve it cold to fully appreciate the texture and flavors.

Practical tips:
- Choosing apples: Use sweet apples for a more pleasant taste, or mix sweet and sour apples for an interesting contrast.
- Sugar: The amount of sugar can vary depending on the sweetness of the apples. It’s good to taste the filling before adding all the sugar.
- Meringue: Make sure the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is completely clean and dry. Any trace of fat will prevent the egg whites from stiffening.

Possible variations:
- You can replace the walnuts with ground almonds or hazelnuts for a different note.
- Add some raisins or dried fruits to the apple filling for extra flavor and texture.
- If you want a more intense flavor, try adding a little rum to the apple mixture.

Delicious combinations: This cake pairs excellently with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. A warm drink, such as fruit tea or mulled wine, perfectly complements this culinary experience.

Nutritional information: One serving of cake contains approximately 300 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats from the walnuts. Apples contribute vitamins and fiber, supporting a balanced diet.

So now that you have gone through this recipe, don’t hesitate to try it! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this apple and walnut meringue cake will surely bring joy to the hearts of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 400 g flour, a pinch of salt, 1/2 packet of baking powder, 180 g cold butter, 1 egg, 2-3 tablespoons cold water. For the filling: 1.5 kg apples, 4-5 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 2 tablespoons semolina, 6 egg whites, a pinch of salt, 12 tablespoons grated sugar, 150 g ground walnuts.

 Tags:  apple pie with meringue and nuts the day i pamper my wife