Apple cake with cheese glaze

Apple Cake with Cheese Glaze - An Unforgettable Delicacy

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

This apple cake with cheese glaze is a true symphony of flavors, perfect for any occasion, from a gathering with friends to a festive dessert. It combines the sweetness of caramelized apples with the fluffy texture of the dough and the creaminess of the cheese glaze, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Let’s embark together on the journey of preparing this delight!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g wheat flour (ideally sifted for a fine texture)
- 4 egg yolks
- 250 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil works perfectly)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (for added moisture and richness)
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for activating the yeast)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for activating the yeast)
- Warm milk (about 100 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vanilla (a pod or essence, as preferred)

For the filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (choose sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (adjustable based on the sweetness of the apples)
- 50 g butter
- Vanilla (optional)
- Juice of one lemon (to prevent apple oxidation)
- Cinnamon (optional, but recommended for added flavor)

For the glaze:
- 250 g Ricotta cheese (or another fine cottage cheese)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Juice of one lemon (to give a fresh taste to the glaze)

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, a tablespoon of flour, and warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms (this is a sign that the yeast is active).

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour with salt, sugar, and softened butter. Gently knead until you obtain a crumbly mixture. Then, add the egg yolks, oil, sour cream, and the yeast mixture. There’s no need to knead excessively; just mix until homogeneous. Cover the dough and let it rise for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

3. Caramelizing the apples: Peel the apples and cut them into cubes. Drizzle with lemon juice and add sugar. In a saucepan, melt the butter, then add the apples and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft (about 10-15 minutes). Add vanilla and cinnamon (if using) and let them cool slightly.

Assembling the Cake

4. Forming the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out one sheet from the first part on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

5. Adding the filling: Evenly distribute the caramelized apples over the sheet of dough.

6. The lattice on top: From the remaining dough, roll out another sheet and cut it into thin strips to create a lattice over the apples. Place the strips over the apples, forming a nice pattern.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, until the dough is golden and beautifully browned.

Preparing the Glaze

8. Cheese glaze: In a bowl, mix the Ricotta cheese with powdered sugar and lemon juice. Obtain a smooth and creamy mixture.

9. Finalizing: When the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Apply the Ricotta glaze on the warm cake, allowing it to melt slightly and incorporate into the dough.

Serving and Variations

Let the cake cool completely before cutting. It is ideal served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, for a fruity note, you can add some pieces of toasted nuts or almonds into the apple filling.

Helpful Tips

- Choosing apples: Choose fresh, quality apples as their texture and taste will significantly influence the cake.
- Active yeast: Ensure that the yeast is fresh; otherwise, the dough will not rise properly.
- Vegan option: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the Ricotta cheese with a plant-based product, achieving a vegan version of the cake.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This apple cake with cheese glaze offers a delicious combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, having about 350 calories per serving. Apples provide an important source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. The Ricotta glaze offers protein, contributing to a more nutritionally balanced dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, this recipe is also suitable for other fruits such as pears or peaches.
- What if I don’t have Ricotta? You can use fine cottage cheese or mascarpone to achieve a similar glaze.
- How can I store the cake? Keep it in a closed container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge to keep it fresh longer.

This apple cake with cheese glaze is not only a delicious dessert but also a perfect way to treat your family and friends. Feel free to experiment and adapt the recipe to your taste! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 500g flour, 4 egg yolks, 250g butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 20g yeast + 1 teaspoon sugar + 1 tablespoon flour + warm milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, Vanilla. For the filling: 1.5kg apples, 5 tablespoons sugar, 50g butter, Vanilla, Juice of one lemon, Cinnamon. For the glaze: 250g Ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, Juice of one lemon.

 Tags:  apple pie