Caramel Apple Walnut Cake with Meringue Topping

Caramel Apple Walnut Cake with Meringue Topping

Ingredients

For the Dough:

    • Flour: 300g (2 cups)
    • Sugar: 30g (2 tablespoons)
    • Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
    • Vanilla Sugar: 8g (1 teaspoon)
    • Cold Butter: 150g (2/3 cup)
    • Egg: 1

For the Filling:

    • Apples: 5 medium-sized (850-900g), cored and cubed
    • Sugar: 120g (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
    • Honey: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: 35g (1.5 tablespoons)
  • Roasted Walnuts: 50g, chopped

For the Meringue:

    • Egg Whites: 4
    • Salt: A pinch
    • Sugar: 170g (3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon)
    • Almond Flakes: 30g, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:

    • In a bowl, mix 300g flour, 30g sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 8g vanilla sugar.
    • Add 150g cold butter, cut into small pieces, and mix with your hands until you get a crumbly texture.
    • Add 1 egg and mix until the dough comes together. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
  • Press the dough evenly into a greased 24×24 cm baking pan.
  • Prick the dough with a fork to prevent bubbles during baking.

2. Prepare the Filling:

    • Core and dice 5 apples (about 850-900g).
    • In a pan, melt 120g sugar and 2 tablespoons honey over medium heat. Let the sugar caramelize slightly while stirring.
    • Add 35g butter and continue stirring for 2 minutes.
    • Add the diced apples and cook in the syrup for 8-10 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in 50g roasted walnuts.
See also  Vegetable Soup with Aromatic Croutons

3. Assemble and Bake:

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
    • Spread the apple and walnut filling evenly over the dough.
  • Bake the cake for 20 minutes.

4. Prepare the Meringue:

    • While the cake is baking, whisk 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
    • Gradually add 170g sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
  • After the cake has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread the meringue on top.
  • Sprinkle with 30g almond flakes (optional).

5. Final Bake:

    • Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake the cake for another 35-40 minutes, until the meringue is golden brown.
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

    • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
    • Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Cooking Tips

  • Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast to the sweet caramel filling.
  • Be careful not to overbeat the meringue; stop once stiff peaks form.

Nutritional Benefits

    • Apples: High in fiber and vitamins, adding a fresh, fruity flavor to the cake.
  • Walnuts: Rich in healthy fats and omega-3s.

Dietary Information

    • Contains gluten, eggs, dairy, and nuts.
    • Not suitable for those with nut allergies unless walnuts are omitted.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 12 servings)

    • Calories: 320
    • Total Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 50mg
    • Sodium: 80mg
    • Total Carbohydrates: 42g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 27g
    • Protein: 5g

Storage

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.