Quick cake with apples and ground walnuts
Quick Apple and Ground Walnut Cake
Are you looking for a quick and delicious dessert that brings a touch of joy with every bite? The quick apple and ground walnut cake is the perfect choice! This cake combines the sweet flavors of apples with the crunchy and rich texture of walnuts, turning each slice into an explosion of flavor. It can be prepared in about an hour, making it ideal for unexpected guests or simply when you want to treat yourself.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 55-65 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup semolina
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups ground walnuts (1.5 cups for the batter and ½ cup for decoration)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (not activated)
- 250 g margarine (1 package)
- 1.5 kg peeled, grated apples mixed with sugar and cinnamon (to taste) (do not squeeze out the juice)
A Bit of History…
Apple cakes have a long history, being a popular choice in many cultures due to the accessibility of apples and their versatility. Apples can be used in various dishes, from pies to crumbles, but few recipes pair so well with walnuts, creating a wonderful contrast between the sweet and tart flavors of the apples and the richness of the nuts.
Step by Step:
1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Measure the flour, semolina, sugar, and ground walnuts accurately. These ingredients are the foundation of your cake, so make sure they are of the highest quality. You can use freshly ground walnuts for a more intense flavor.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, semolina, sugar, 1.5 cups of ground walnuts, and baking soda. Mix the dry ingredients well using a spatula or a wooden spoon. It’s important for the baking soda to be evenly distributed to ensure even rising of the cake.
3. Preparing the Baking Pan:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Line a baking pan (recommended size: 30x40 cm) with parchment paper or grease it with oil and sprinkle a little flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking, ensuring that each slice comes out easily.
4. Adding the Margarine:
Grate half of the margarine (125 g) into the pan, covering the bottom evenly. This step will add a delicious flavor and a soft texture to your cake.
5. Forming the Base:
Add half of the flour mixture and gently press down with your palm to flatten it. It’s essential to create a solid base so that the apples don’t sink into the cake but rather complement it.
6. Adding the Apples:
Place the grated apples over the flour mixture. Do not squeeze out the juice, as the apple juice will add moisture and flavor to the cake. Arrange them evenly with a spoon so that each slice has some apples.
7. Finalizing the Layers:
Add the remaining flour mixture over the apples, pressing down gently to secure it. Grate the remaining margarine (125 g) on top of this layer. This step will create a delicious golden crust.
8. Decorating with Walnuts:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of ground walnuts on top, pressing down gently to integrate them into the mixture. The walnuts will provide an intense flavor and a wonderful crunchy texture.
9. Baking:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-50 minutes or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s important not to open the oven door during the first half of baking to prevent temperature drops and uneven baking.
10. Cooling and Serving:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s recommended to serve it cold, which will enhance the flavors and make it easier to slice.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a hot tea or a fragrant coffee. You can add a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperatures and textures. Additionally, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.
Variations:
To add a touch of originality, you can replace some of the ground walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts. You can also add raisins or chocolate chips to the apple mixture for an even richer flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system. Walnuts, on the other hand, are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, contributing to heart health. This cake is not only delicious but also a healthier choice than many other desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or peaches, but make sure to add them in similar quantities to the apples.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 5 days. You can gently reheat it in the oven to restore its fresh texture.
3. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can replace the margarine with a plant-based alternative and use an egg substitute (such as mashed banana or a mixture of flaxseeds and water) to make the cake completely vegan.
Enjoy this quick apple and ground walnut cake at your next family gathering or with friends and let yourself be carried away by its wonderful flavors! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 1 cup flour, 1 cup semolina, 1 cup sugar, 2 cups ground walnuts, 1 teaspoon baking soda (unsifted), 1 package margarine (250g), 1.5 kg peeled apples, grated and mixed with sugar and cinnamon to taste (do not squeeze out the juice).
