Apple cake with burnt sugar cream

Apple Cake with Caramel Cream: a recipe that combines the sweetness of caramel with the freshness of apples, perfect for any occasion. This cake is a true culinary gem, ideal for those who love the combination of a smooth cream and flavorful fruits. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will delight you and quickly become a favorite. Let's see how we can prepare this delicious cake step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients
- 8-10 apples (it's best to use sweet and aromatic apples)
- 1 liter of milk
- 6 eggs (for the cream)
- 6 eggs (for the sponge cake)
- 7 tablespoons of sugar (for caramel)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (for cream)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (for sponge cake)
- 6 tablespoons of flour (for sponge cake)
- 50 g butter (for the apples)
- Vanilla and rum extracts (to taste)
- Orange zest (optional, for flavor)
- Whipped cream (for decoration)
- Fresh fruits for garnish (buy seasonal fruits like strawberries and cherries)

The Story of the Recipe
The apple cake with caramel cream combines the tradition of caramelized cream desserts with the freshness of apples. This recipe has deep roots in culinary culture, where sweetness and tartness intertwine to create a unique tasting experience. It is a perfect dessert to conclude a festive meal or to sweeten an ordinary day.

Step by Step: Preparing the Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Apples
1. Caramelizing the Sugar: Start by placing 7 tablespoons of sugar in a suitable baking dish. Set the dish over medium heat and let the sugar caramelize, stirring gently to prevent burning. Once the sugar has turned a golden color, spread it evenly over the bottom and sides of the dish.
2. Preparing the Apples: Peel and core the apples, then cut them in half. Place them cut side up in the caramel-coated dish, and put a small cube of butter in each indentation. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the apples.
3. Baking the Apples: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 150-200°C and bake the apples for about 20 minutes, until they are slightly soft.

Step 2: Preparing the Caramel Cream
1. Mixing the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the 6 egg yolks with 6 tablespoons of sugar until they form a smooth cream. Gradually add the milk, along with the vanilla and rum extracts.
2. Incorporating the Egg Whites: Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the yolk mixture.
3. Pouring the Cream over the Apples: Pour the prepared cream over the baked apples and return the dish to the oven for 30-35 minutes, until set.

Step 3: Preparing the Sponge Cake
1. Whipping the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whip the 6 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add 6 tablespoons of sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue.
2. Incorporating the Egg Yolks and Flour: Add the beaten egg yolks and sifted flour. Gently fold with a spatula to avoid deflating the egg whites. Add the extracts and orange zest.
3. Baking the Sponge Cake: Pour the batter over the caramel cream in the dish. Bake at 180°C for another 20-25 minutes, until the sponge is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. Cooling the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully invert it onto a serving platter. The caramel will form a delicious glaze on top.
2. Decorating: Cover the cake with whipped cream and add seasonal fruits for a vibrant and appetizing look. You can use strawberries, cherries, or even slices of peaches.

Useful Tips
- Choosing the Apples: For a balanced flavor, choose sweet apples, such as Golden Delicious or Fuji. If you prefer a more tart contrast, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice.
- Caramelizing: Be careful not to burn the sugar during caramelization; burnt caramel will impart a bitter taste to the cake.
- Apple-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of apples, you can skip this ingredient and enjoy just the caramel cream, which will be just as delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. The flavors will intensify the next day.
- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with peaches, plums, or even pineapple for an exotic twist on your cake.
- Is this cake suitable for vegans? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using substitutes for eggs and plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk and banana puree or a mixture of flaxseeds with water for eggs.

Delicious Pairings
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence. A sweet wine or a fragrant tea can perfectly complement the meal.

Conclusion
The apple cake with caramel cream is more than just a dessert; it is a story of flavors and textures that brings together the warmth of caramel with the freshness of apples. Whether you prepare this cake for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, the result will be an unforgettable culinary experience. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its flavors and aromas!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 8 - 10 apples 1 liter of sweet milk eggs: 6 for cream + 6 for sponge cake sugar: 6 tablespoons (for cream) + 6 tablespoons (for sponge cake) + 7 tablespoons for caramel 6 tablespoons of flour for sponge cake vanilla and rum essences orange peel 50g butter liquid cream and fruits for decoration

 Tags:  caramel cream cake