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1. Caramelized Apples:
Prepare the Apples:
Peel and chop 1kg of apples into small pieces.
Caramelize:
In a large pan, add the 90g sugar and lemon juice. Heat on medium until the sugar melts and starts to caramelize slightly.
Add the chopped apples and stir to coat them in the caramel. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften.
Thicken:
Mix 10g cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the apples to thicken the mixture.
Set Aside:
Once thickened, remove from heat and let the apples cool while preparing the cake batter.
2. Sponge Cake:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C).
Beat the Eggs and Sugar:
In a large bowl, whisk 5 eggs and 130g sugar with a pinch of salt until pale and fluffy.
Add Flour and Milk:
Gently fold in 170g flour until fully combined. Then add 50g milk and fold gently.
Prepare Baking Tray:
Line a 32x37cm baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the tray.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting:
Whip the Cream:
In a large bowl, whip 200g heavy cream until soft peaks form.
Mix the Frosting:
In another bowl, beat 300g cream cheese and 50g sugar until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
Chill:
Cover and leave the frosting in the fridge for at least 4 hours to firm up.
4. Assemble the Cake:
Layer the Apples:
Once the cake has cooled, spread the caramelized apples evenly over the top.
Add the Cream:
Spread the chilled cream cheese frosting over the caramelized apples.
Sprinkle with Almonds:
Finally, sprinkle 50g roasted flaked almonds over the cream layer.
5. Serve:
Slice and serve this delicious Caramelized Apple Cake chilled. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cake chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Cooking Tips:
Make sure the cream cheese and heavy cream are cold before whipping to ensure a firm frosting.
You can toast the almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
Apples provide fiber and vitamins, making this cake a slightly healthier dessert option.
Almonds add healthy fats, protein, and crunch.
Dietary Information:
Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 300
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 14g
Storage:
Fridge: Store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: You can freeze the assembled cake for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Rich and Creamy: The combination of caramelized apples, soft sponge cake, and creamy frosting makes this cake irresistible.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is easy enough for beginner bakers.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is versatile and perfect for celebrations or as a cozy family dessert.
Conclusion:
This Caramelized Apple Cake with cream cheese frosting and roasted almonds is a must-try dessert that combines the sweetness of caramelized apples with the richness of cream cheese frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress with both its flavor and presentation. Enjoy it chilled for the best experience!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, any apple variety works, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best during caramelization.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer flavor.
What if I don’t have a baking tray of the specified size?
You can use a slightly different-sized tray, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Thicker cakes may need a bit more time.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the roasted almonds just before serving.
Can I omit the almonds?
Yes, the almonds are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor to the cake.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.
What can I serve with this cake?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream would complement the cake beautifully.
Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be lighter. If you prefer a less rich cake, whipped cream is a good alternative.
How can I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?
Make sure the caramelized apples are not too liquidy when spreading them on the cake. Allow them to cool slightly before layering them on the cake.
