This delightful cake combines a buttery crust, caramelized apple and walnut filling, and a light, airy meringue topping. The balance of sweet, crunchy, and fluffy makes every bite a true indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a showstopper for a special occasion or simply a cozy dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea, this cake will quickly become a favorite. The caramelized apples and walnuts offer a rich, nutty flavor, while the meringue adds a light, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 slices
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 300g (2 cups) flour
- 30g (2 tablespoons) sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 8g (1 teaspoon) vanilla sugar
- 150g (2/3 cup) cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 5 medium-sized apples (850-900g), cored and cubed
- 120g (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 35g (1.5 tablespoons) butter
- 50g roasted walnuts, chopped
For the Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- A pinch of salt
- 170g (3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon) sugar
- 30g almond flakes, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together 300g of flour, 30g of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 8g of vanilla sugar. Add the 150g of 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 the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water to help bind it. 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 air bubbles during baking. Set aside.
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Prepare the Filling: Core and dice 5 medium-sized apples (about 850-900g). In a pan, melt 120g of sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey over medium heat. Stir occasionally, letting the sugar caramelize slightly. Once the sugar has melted and begun to turn golden, add 35g of butter and continue stirring for 2 minutes. Add the diced apples to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples soften and the syrup thickens. Stir in the roasted walnuts and set aside.
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Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Spread the caramelized apple and walnut filling evenly over the prepared dough. Bake the cake for 20 minutes until the dough is lightly golden and set.
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Prepare the Meringue: While the cake is baking, whisk the 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt in a clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 170g of sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form. The meringue should hold its shape and be glossy.
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Final Bake: After the cake has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread the prepared meringue evenly over the top. Sprinkle with 30g of almond flakes if desired. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) and return the cake to the oven. Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair it with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the perfect cozy dessert experience. This cake is also delightful with a glass of dessert wine or a light white wine.
Cooking Tips
- Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast to the sweet caramel filling. The tartness of the apples will balance the richness of the meringue and buttery crust.
- Be careful not to overbake the meringue. Once golden brown, the meringue should be crisp on the outside while remaining soft and airy inside.
- If you don’t have almond flakes, you can substitute them with crushed hazelnuts or leave them out entirely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This caramelized apple and walnut meringue cake offers the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The buttery crust serves as a delicious base, while the apple and walnut filling provides sweetness and crunch. The light, airy meringue topping adds the perfect contrast, melting in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re a fan of apples or meringue, this cake will surely satisfy your sweet tooth and become a go-to dessert recipe. Plus, it’s visually stunning, making it perfect for special occasions or gatherings.
Health Benefits
While this cake is indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Apples are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help support immune health and digestion. Walnuts provide healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health. Additionally, this cake contains less fat than many traditional desserts, as it uses butter in moderation and relies on egg whites for the meringue, making it a lighter option compared to other cakes.
Conclusion
This caramelized apple and walnut meringue cake is a delicious and visually impressive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and light meringue topping, it delivers on both flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed for a special celebration or a cozy evening at home, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special baking skills, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts? Yes, you can use other nuts like pecans or almonds in place of walnuts for a different flavor.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
3. Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake before adding the meringue. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. When ready to serve, thaw the cake and add the meringue before baking.
4. What’s the best way to store the leftovers? Store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake if you prefer, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
5. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener? Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer, though the flavor will change slightly.