Apple and Walnut Cake
Apple and Walnut Cake: A Nostalgic Delight
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Number of Servings: 12-16 servings
Apple and walnut cake is more than just a dessert; it is a sweet memory, a pleasure that transports us back in time, to warm autumn days when apples were abundant and the scent of cinnamon filled our homes. This recipe is easy to make and always turns out perfect, with a crumbly dough and juicy filling. Get ready to surprise your family and friends with this delicious and comforting cake!
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons lard (or butter, if preferred)
- 100 ml milk
- 1 egg
- Zest of one lemon
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or nutmeg, ground ginger)
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (about 5-6 large apples)
- Sugar (depending on the sweetness of the apples and your taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 200 g walnuts
Preparation Steps:
1. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. This step is essential to ensure a fluffy cake. Add the sugar and lemon zest for extra flavor. In another bowl, dissolve the sugar in the milk, then add the melted lard and beaten egg. Combine these wet ingredients with the dry ones, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you get a compact, non-sticky dough. If necessary, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour, depending on its moisture.
2. Chilling the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step helps solidify the lard and makes the dough easier to handle.
3. Preparing the Filling: Peel the apples and grate them coarsely. If the apples are very juicy, make sure to squeeze them well to prevent a watery filling. In a pot, add the grated apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. Let the filling cool, then add the semolina and mix well.
4. Preparing the Walnuts: Coarsely chop the walnuts and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the walnuts to the apple filling.
5. Assembling the Cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a 30x25 cm baking dish, ensuring it is clean and dry. Roll out half of the dough to cover the bottom of the dish. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the dough to allow steam to escape. Add the apple and walnut filling, leveling it evenly, then spread the remaining dough over the filling and poke it again with the fork.
6. Baking: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until it is nicely browned on top.
7. Cooling and Serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely in the dish. Dust with sugar (optional) before cutting it into squares and serving. It is delicious both warm and cold!
Useful Tips:
- Apple Selection: Choose apples that are sweet and slightly juicy, such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Fuji, to achieve a pleasant contrast between sweet and tart.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as cottage cheese or poppy seeds, adding flavors like vanilla or almonds.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel. Also, a warm herbal tea or aromatic coffee will complement the dessert perfectly.
- Storage: The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated in the oven to restore its freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250-300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fats: 12 g
- Proteins: 6 g
The apple and walnut cake is more than just a dessert; it is a recipe that brings joy and warmth in every bite. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this cake will surely become a favorite in your family. I am glad you chose to explore this recipe! Enjoy!
Ingredients: -500g flour -1 baking powder -4 tablespoons lard -100ml milk -1 egg -zest of 1 lemon -3-4 tablespoons sugar -1 teaspoon cinnamon/nutmeg/ginger powder Filling: -1.5kg apples -sugar (depending on the sweetness of the apples and your taste) -1 teaspoon cinnamon -2 tablespoons semolina -200g walnuts
