This Caramel Apple Meringue Cake combines a buttery crust, caramelized apples, and a fluffy meringue topping for a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its layers of flavors and textures.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Flour: 300 g (2 cups)
- Sugar: 30 g (2 tablespoons)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Vanilla Sugar: 8 g (1 teaspoon)
- Cold Butter: 150 g (2/3 cup)
- Egg: 1
For the Filling:
- Apples: 5 medium-sized (850-900 g), cored and cubed
- Sugar: 120 g (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Butter: 35 g (1.5 tablespoons)
- Roasted Walnuts: 50 g, chopped
For the Meringue:
- Egg Whites: 4
- Salt: A pinch
- Sugar: 170 g (3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon)
- Almond Flakes: 30 g, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla sugar.
- Add cold butter and mix with your hands until crumbly.
- Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together. If dry, add a teaspoon of water.
- Press the dough evenly into a greased 24×24 cm (9.5×9.5 inch) baking pan.
- Prick the dough with a fork to prevent bubbles during baking.
Prepare the Filling:
- Dice the apples into small cubes.
- In a pan, melt sugar and honey over medium heat, stirring until slightly caramelized.
- Add butter and stir for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the apples and cook for 8-10 minutes until softened.
- Add roasted walnuts and mix well.
Assemble and Pre-Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Spread the apple and walnut filling evenly over the dough.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Meringue:
- Whisk egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form.
Add the Meringue and Final Bake:
- After 20 minutes, remove the cake from the oven and spread the meringue on top.
- Sprinkle almond flakes if desired.
- Reduce oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake for 35-40 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
Cooking Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast.
- Don’t overbake the meringue to retain a soft interior.
- Toast almond flakes lightly for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples provide fiber and vitamin C.
- Walnuts offer healthy fats and protein.
- Egg whites are a low-calorie protein source.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 1 month.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines buttery crust, caramel apples, and fluffy meringue for a unique dessert.
- Sweet and tart flavors create a perfect balance.
- Great for holidays, parties, or everyday treats.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Meringue Cake is a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. With its buttery base, caramelized apples, and golden meringue topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Serve it chilled and enjoy the compliments!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different fruit instead of apples? Yes, pears or peaches are great substitutes.
- What can I use instead of walnuts? Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work well.
- Can I prepare this cake in advance? Yes, bake a day ahead and refrigerate.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I use ready-made dough? Yes, store-bought shortcrust pastry is a convenient option.
- What if I don’t have almond flakes? Omit them or use crushed nuts for texture.
- How do I know the meringue is ready? It should hold stiff, glossy peaks when lifted with a whisk.
- Can I skip the meringue? Yes, you can top with whipped cream or a crumble instead.
- What type of pan is best? A 24×24 cm pan is ideal, but similar-sized pans work.
- What’s the best way to serve this cake? Serve slightly chilled with caramel sauce or cream.