This delightful cake combines a buttery crust, caramelized apple and walnut filling, and a light, airy meringue topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and fluffy in every bite.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
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.
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.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy & Fluffy: A combination of crispy walnuts, soft apples, and airy meringue.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your guests with this elegant, layered dessert.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet caramel and honey pair perfectly with tart apples and nutty walnuts.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Walnut Cake with Meringue Topping is the ultimate dessert for special occasions or just a cozy weekend treat. The rich caramelized apples, crunchy walnuts, and light meringue create a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Give it a try—you’ll love it!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of nut?
- Yes, you can substitute roasted walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- What type of apples should I use?
- Tart apples like Granny Smith work well for balance, but you can use any variety you prefer.
- How do I know when the meringue is ready?
- The meringue should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Can I add spices to the filling?
- Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg would enhance the apple flavor.
- How do I prevent the meringue from deflating?
- Make sure the egg whites are at room temperature and beat them just until stiff peaks form.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, freeze individual slices in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- What can I use instead of honey?
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Do I have to use almond flakes?
- No, the almond flakes are optional but add a nice texture.
- How should I store the cake?
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.