Apple Walnut Cake with Mascarpone Cream is a delightful dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of apples with the crunch of walnuts and the rich creaminess of mascarpone. This cake is ideal for gatherings, celebrations, or just as a special treat for yourself and your loved ones. With its comforting flavors and luxurious texture, it’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!
What You’ll Need for Apple Walnut Cake with Mascarpone Cream
Before you begin baking, gather all your ingredients to make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 8 grams of vanilla sugar (about 1 tsp)
- 150 grams of sugar (¾ cup)
- 180 grams of semi-coarse flour (1½ cups)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 30 grams of milk (2 tbsp)
- 15 grams of vegetable oil (1 tbsp)
- 80 grams of roasted walnuts, ground (about ¾ cup)
- 1.2 kg of apples, peeled and cored (about 2.5 lbs)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 60 grams of sugar (¼ cup)
- 15 grams of cornstarch (1 tbsp)
- 600 grams of mascarpone (about 2¾ cups)
- 50 grams of sugar (¼ cup)
- 400 grams of cream (33% fat; about 1⅔ cups)
- 100 grams of sugar (for caramel; about ½ cup)
- 100 grams of hot cream (33% fat; about ⅓ cup)
- 25 grams of butter (2 tbsp)
Step-by-Step Apple Walnut Cake with Mascarpone Cream Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a cake that will tantalize your taste buds:
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F). Prepare a 24 cm (9-inch) cake tin by lining it with baking paper.
- In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs. Add a pinch of salt, vanilla sugar, and sugar. Beat everything together until the mixture is light and foamy.
- Gradually add the semi-coarse flour and mix in the baking powder. Pour in the milk and vegetable oil, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the ground roasted walnuts until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, peel and core the apples. Chop them into small pieces and toss them with lemon juice, 60 grams of sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook the apple mixture in a saucepan over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Allow to cool after cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone and 50 grams of sugar. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually add the cream and whip until stiff peaks form.
- For the caramel, melt 100 grams of sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan until it turns a deep golden color. Carefully add the hot cream, stirring in the butter until smooth. Let it cool.
- Slice the cooled cake into three layers. On the bottom layer, spread mascarpone cream and top it with the cooled apple filling. Repeat this for the middle layer.
- Place the top cake layer and spread any remaining mascarpone cream over it. Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled!
How to Serve Apple Walnut Cake with Mascarpone Cream
When you’re ready to serve this gorgeous cake, take a moment to admire its layers and colors. Slice the cake using a sharp, serrated knife for clean cuts. Each slice should display the beautiful apple filling and creamy layers.
Pair your cake with a cup of unsweetened tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. Don’t forget to keep some extra caramel for drizzling on individual slices!
Helpful Tricks for Apple Walnut Cake with Mascarpone Cream
- To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture while cooking.
- If you don’t have walnuts, feel free to substitute with other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for a different texture.
- For an added twist, consider incorporating some raisins or dried cranberries into the apple filling for an extra fruity flavor.
Apple Walnut Cake with Mascarpone Cream FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have mascarpone?
A: You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese as an alternative, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it’s best to freeze it without the mascarpone cream and caramel on top. Just wrap it tightly and store for up to one month.
If you’re looking for a cake that’s full of flavor, texture, and a touch of elegance, give this Apple Walnut Cake with Mascarpone Cream a try. With its scrumptious layers and delightful taste, it’s bound to be a hit at your next gathering! Happy baking!