This caramelized apple sponge cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of soft caramelized apples with a fluffy sponge cake and rich cream cheese frosting. Topped with roasted almonds for crunch, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Apples:
- 1kg apples, peeled and chopped
- 90g (6 tbsp) sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 10g (1 tbsp) cornstarch
For the Sponge Cake Dough:
- 5 eggs
- 130g (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 170g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 50g (1/5 cup) milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 200g (1 cup) heavy cream (33% fat)
- 300g (1.3 cups) cream cheese
- 50g (1/4 cup) sugar
Topping:
- 50g roasted flaked almonds
Directions
- Caramelized Apples:
- Peel and chop the apples into small pieces.
- In a large pan, add sugar and lemon juice. Heat on medium until the sugar melts and starts to caramelize.
- Add the chopped apples and stir to coat them in the caramel. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften.
- Mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the apples to thicken.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Sponge Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).
- Whisk the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until pale and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the flour, then add milk and fold until smooth.
- Line a 32x37cm baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the tray.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
- Spoon the caramelized apples over the frosting.
- Sprinkle roasted flaked almonds on top for crunch.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious caramelized apple sponge cake with cream cheese frosting!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of extra whipped cream for added richness.
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
- Top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist.
- Serve as a cake for a birthday or special celebration.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure the apples are cooked until just soft to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
- If the apples aren’t sweet enough, adjust the sugar amount as needed.
- Ensure the sponge cake is fully cooled before adding the frosting to avoid it melting.
- Use fresh cream cheese for the frosting to get a smooth and creamy consistency.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, promoting digestion and immune health.
- Cream cheese provides calcium, essential for bone health.
- Almonds offer healthy fats and antioxidants, supporting heart health.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Not Dairy-Free: Contains dairy products in both the frosting and cake.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines the sweetness of caramelized apples with the richness of cream cheese frosting.
- The sponge cake is light and airy, offering a perfect balance with the apples and frosting.
- Topped with crunchy roasted almonds, this dessert has a delightful texture contrast.
- It’s an easy, yet impressive dessert for any occasion, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
This caramelized apple sponge cake with cream cheese frosting is a showstopper dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. The sweet apples and rich frosting combine for a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for any gathering or as a sweet end to a meal, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend, this cake is a guaranteed winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of apple you prefer. Tart apples like Granny Smith will add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be made the day before. Just store it in the fridge and frost it right before serving. - Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can use whipped cream or buttercream as a substitute for cream cheese frosting. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. - How do I prevent the apples from getting too soggy?
Make sure the apples are cooked just until tender and thickened with cornstarch. Don’t overcook them. - Can I freeze the caramelized apple topping?
Yes, you can freeze the caramelized apples separately for up to 1 month. - Can I add nuts to the cake batter?
Yes, you can fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture. - Can I use a different topping instead of almonds?
Yes, you can use crushed hazelnuts, walnuts, or even granola for a different crunch. - Can I make this cake without the lemon juice?
Yes, you can omit the lemon juice if you prefer a less tangy flavor in the caramelized apples. - What is the best way to serve this cake?
Serve it chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.