Apple cake with fluffy mascarpone cream
Autumn is a season full of colors and aromas, and during this time, apples make their presence felt in the most delicious dishes. Today, I propose a recipe for apple cake with fluffy mascarpone cream, which perfectly combines the refreshing taste of summer with the sweetness of autumn-baked apples. This dessert will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of joy to chilly evenings. Let's get started!
Total preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
*For the crust*:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g cold butter (preferably with a fat content of 82%)
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cold water
*For the apple layer*:
- 6 large apples (a mix of red and green apples recommended for a more complex flavor)
- 30 g butter
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ground cinnamon, to taste
*For the mascarpone cream*:
- 200 g mascarpone
- 200 ml liquid cream or unwhipped cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Preparation:
1. Preparing the crust:
- Make sure all ingredients are cold. This step is essential for a flaky and crispy dough. Cut the butter into cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour with the butter and powdered sugar. Use a mixer or cutter to mix the ingredients until you get a floury mixture, without large chunks of butter.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Finally, gradually add the cold water and continue mixing until you get a homogeneous dough. You may not need all the water, so add it gradually.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
2. Preparing the apple layer:
- Peel the apples and grate them using a large grater. It's important to squeeze out the excess juice so that the cake doesn't become too wet.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the grated apples. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the powdered sugar and cinnamon to taste. Continue cooking for 10 minutes until the apples become soft but not completely cooked. A hint of cinnamon will add a special charm to the dessert.
3. Assembling the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Roll out the dough on a work surface according to the size of the baking tray you are using. Don't forget to prick it with a fork to prevent it from rising.
- Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- Add the apple layer over the pre-baked crust, distributing it evenly.
- Return the cake to the oven and bake for about 50 minutes on low heat. The apples should be fully cooked, and a golden crust should form on top.
4. Preparing the mascarpone cream:
- In a bowl, mix the mascarpone with the liquid cream, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. If you want an extra flavor, you can also add lemon zest.
- Mix until you obtain a smooth and fluffy cream.
5. Finalizing the cake:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the mascarpone cream over the apple layer. Make sure it is evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or longer if you have patience) to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.
Serving suggestions:
The cake is served cold, cut into squares or triangles. You can decorate it with a few thin slices of lemon or some mint leaves for a fresh look. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce would add an extra touch of flavor.
Practical tips:
- Use apples that are slightly tart, such as green apples, to contrast with the sweetness of the mascarpone cream.
- If you want a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the apples and mascarpone cream.
- This cake is also great to be served with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee, which will perfectly complement the flavors.
Nutritional information:
Each serving of cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the exact portion and the ingredients used. Apples provide fiber, vitamins A and C, while the mascarpone cream offers healthy fats and calcium.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of fruit? Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches.
- Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free? Sure, use a good quality gluten-free flour.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days.
This apple cake with mascarpone cream is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. So gather your friends or family, prepare the ingredients, and let yourself be tempted by the delicious aromas of the season! Enjoy!
Ingredients: Base: 250 g flour; 125 g cold butter; 80 g powdered sugar; 3 egg yolks; 3 tablespoons cold water; Apple layer: 6 large apples; ground cinnamon; 30 g butter; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; Mascarpone cream: 200 g mascarpone; 200 ml liquid cream or unwhipped cream; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar;
