Apple Walnut Cake with Meringue Topping Recipe

Apple Walnut Cake with Meringue Topping Recipe

Ingredients

• For the crust:
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the apple filling:
  • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/3 cup (75g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the meringue topping:
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks.
   • Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix it into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
   • Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Set aside.
2. Prepare the apple filling:
   • In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
   • Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly on top of the apples.
3. Bake the base and filling:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges of the crust start to turn golden brown.
4. Prepare the meringue topping:
   • In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy.
   • Gradually add the sugar and cream of tartar, and continue beating on high speed until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble and bake the meringue:
   • Remove the partially baked cake from the oven. Spread the meringue evenly over the apple layer.
   • Sprinkle sliced almonds over the meringue for garnish.
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
6. Cool and serve:
   • Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips:

• Customize the filling: Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

This dessert is a perfect combination of buttery, fruity, crunchy, and light flavors that make it irresistible for any occasion. Enjoy