Apple desserts have always held a special place in my heart. From strudels and pies to apple crumbles, I cherish them all. But what I find truly irresistible is the combination of apples and walnuts. 

With some leftover egg whites in my kitchen, I was inspired to create a delightful apple dessert using my favorite walnut meringue, usually reserved for a vanilla custard cake. But today, it's all about this apple variant. 

Perfect not just as one of your go-to Christmas desserts but also as a cozy treat for the cold season, this creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious dish is sure to impress. So, let's dive into the recipe!

Walnut Meringue Base

• Begin by whisking the egg whites with lemon juice, salt, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla until firm peaks form.
• Finely grind 130g of walnuts using a food processor.
• Gently fold in the ground walnuts into the beaten egg whites until evenly mixed.

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Preparing the Base:

• For this recipe, use a 20cm springform pan. Trace the bottom of the springform on two pieces of parchment paper.

Tip: I suggest using a pencil for this task.

• Line the oven tray with one of the prepared parchment papers and evenly spread half of the meringue mixture within the drawn circle.

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• Cover with another parchment paper and place another tray on top to press down slightly.

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• Bake at 180°C for 15 minutes. Allow cooling, and then carefully remove the meringue layer.
• Repeat the process for the second cake layer.

Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, your choice of cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

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• Mix well using a mixer.

Spiced Apple Mixture

• Peel and core the apples, cutting them into 1cm chunks.
• Add apples with cinnamon, butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla paste, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan.

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• Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and coated in a thick sauce. This should take around 5 minutes.

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Assembling the Apple Walnut Meringue Cake

• Line the springform pan with parchment paper on the base and sides.
• Carefully place one meringue layer at the bottom.
• Pour the cheese mixture over the meringue, followed by the spiced apple mixture. Allow the apple mixture to slightly sink into the cheesecake layer.

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• Top with the second meringue layer, pressing down gently.

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• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for one hour. Leave in the oven for an additional hour, then cool at room temperature for 2 hours. For best results, refrigerate for 24 hours (minimum 2-3 hours) before slicing.
• Optionally, when the cake has cooled, melt 50g chocolate with a tablespoon of milk and drizzle over the top for decoration.

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The Magic of Apples, Walnuts, and Cinnamon

One of the main reasons I love apples so much is that they are not just delicious; they are also incredibly versatile in baking. And the explanation why this dessert makes so much sense is because the natural sweetness and tartness of the apples complement the earthy flavor of walnuts. Furthermore, cinnamon adds warmth and spice, enhancing the overall taste. 

So, it's safe to say that this trio creates a harmony of flavors that is hard to resist, especially in an apple cinnamon recipe.

FAQs

Before you start baking, here are some common questions about apple cakes:

Q: Can apple cake be frozen? 

A: Yes, apple cake can be frozen. Just ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Q: Does apple cake need to be refrigerated? 

A: It's best to refrigerate apple cake, especially if it contains a cheesecake layer, to maintain freshness and texture.

Q: What is apple cake? 

A: Apple cake is a delightful baked dessert that typically combines apples with spices and other ingredients like nuts or cream cheese. It can range from simple apple cake recipes to more complex ones

Conclusion

I hope you'll love making and enjoying this Apple Walnut Meringue Delight as much as I do. It's a perfect addition to your list of Christmas desserts or for any cozy gathering.

But is it the best apple cake recipe ever.? You tell us. Don't forget to tag us when you try this recipe. Happy baking!