Apple and caramel cake

Apple and caramel cake: a sweet delight in every bite

I have always believed that simple desserts have a special charm. Sometimes, when time doesn't allow me to complicate things, I turn to classic recipes that remind me of my childhood. This apple and caramel cake is one of those recipes that combines the nostalgic flavors of baked apples with the velvety sweetness of caramel. It’s a quick, easy-to-make dessert and, above all, delicious. Perfect for moments when you want to delight your taste buds without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

About the recipe

The apple and caramel cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a popular choice in many cultures. Whether served warm with ice cream or cold with a dollop of whipped cream, this cake always manages to bring smiles to the faces of friends and family. Apples, rich in fiber and vitamins, not only add flavor but also provide nutritional benefits, while the caramel offers that sweet and satisfying contrast that transforms each slice into a true delight.

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 200 g butter (82% fat, for a rich taste)
- 5 eggs
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (30% fat) or yogurt
- 300 g white flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt

*For the apple and caramel filling:*
- 1 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden)
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 100 g butter (82% fat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Raisins (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Step by step: Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the filling: Start by peeling the apples. Remove the cores and cut them into larger cubes. This step is essential for achieving a pleasant texture that will blend perfectly with the caramel.

2. In a saucepan, place the 8 tablespoons of sugar and caramelize it over medium heat. Be careful! Sugar can burn easily, and the bitter taste is not what we want. Once the sugar has taken on a golden color, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the butter. Stir quickly until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.

3. Add the chopped apples over the melted caramel. Let them soften for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender. To bind the juice released by the apples, dissolve one tablespoon of cornstarch in cold water and add it to the saucepan along with the cinnamon. This will add extra flavor and thicken the filling. Let the filling cool down.

4. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the soft butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Incorporate the sour cream (or yogurt) and mix well. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and gradually add it to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula to avoid lumps.

6. In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the base mixture, being careful not to deflate the air.

7. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Grease a 20x30 cm pan (or a 24 cm round pan) with butter and dust it with flour. Add a little more than half of the base mixture to the pan, then pour in the apple and caramel filling, add the raisins (if using), and cover with the remaining base mixture.

8. Bake the cake for 40 minutes or until golden and elastic to the touch. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

9. After the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for a festive look. Although I cut it warm, I recommend waiting until it cools completely to get nice slices.

Serving suggestions

This apple and caramel cake is delicious and simple, but you can enhance its flavor by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert, making it a wonderful choice for a gathering with friends or a relaxing evening at home.

Variations and tips

- Fruit variations: Instead of apples, you can try this recipe with pears or peaches. The flavors will combine wonderfully with the caramel.
- Adding nuts: For an extra crunch, you can add nuts or hazelnuts to the filling.
- Coconut sugar: Substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier version with a slightly caramelized flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a caramel with a deeper flavor and darker color.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. You can gently reheat it before serving.

3. Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to do so before dusting it with sugar. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before serving.

In conclusion, this apple and caramel cake is a perfect choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, each slice will remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. So put on your apron and let’s get cooking! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base: 200 g butter 82% fat, 5 eggs, 150 g powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons sour cream 30% fat (or yogurt), 300 g white flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 packets vanilla sugar, lemon zest, salt. Apple and caramel filling: 1 kg apples, 8 tablespoons sugar, 100 g butter 82% fat, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, raisins, powdered sugar for dusting.

 Tags:  apple and caramel cake