Bratapfel Himmelstorte: Perfect Christmas Cake for Festive Moments
This enchanting dessert combines the comforting flavors of baked apples with a heavenly lightness that is sure to impress your guests. Each slice is a celebration of holiday flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for your festive moments.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- Tart apples (like Granny Smith or Braeburn)
- Marzipan (or almond paste mixed with powdered sugar)
- Cinnamon
- Walnuts or Pecans (or sunflower or pumpkin seeds)
- Unsalted butter (or coconut oil or plant-based butter)
- All-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Baking powder
- Cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Core the apples, leaving the bottoms intact. Mix the chopped nuts, marzipan, cinnamon, and a bit of sugar in a bowl. Fill each apple with this mixture and place them in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until softened.
- While the apples are baking, cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add in the flour and baking powder, stirring until just combined.
- Divide the cake batter into two greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in powdered sugar and vanilla extract to taste.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top, followed by the baked apples. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with extra nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
- Allow the torte to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Slice and enjoy this beautiful centerpiece at your holiday gatherings!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: You can prepare the baked apples and cake layers a day in advance. For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the cake batter. Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant touch, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream on the side.