The Apple and Hazelnut Cake is soft, fragrant and incredibly aromatic. This cake, like the Brioche glazed with cream and sugar and the Pistachio Yogurt Pound Cake, is a variation of the Apple Cake with Winter Spices and Almonds. A recipe that feels like home, for slow afternoons while it rains. A wholesome yet characterful dessert where the apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, the aromatic touch of lemon and rum, and the crunchy note of toasted hazelnuts meld into a soft, indulgent batter, topped with pearl sugar. A simple cake to make, perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or to share with someone you love.
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So what are you waiting for?
Follow the aroma… the recipe continues!
If you are looking for another spiced dessert, you might also like:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 30 Minutes
- Portions: 12Servings
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter and Spring
Ingredients
For the apple and hazelnut cake
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp butter (soft)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 apples
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts
- 2 tbsp rum
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 pinches ground nutmeg
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 tbsp pearl sugar (coarse sugar crystals)
Tools
To properly whisk the eggs with the sugar I recommend using an electric mixer.
Read my review of the Masterpro electric mixer Masterpro Foodies line
- 1 Stampo
- 1 Sbattitore
- 1
Preparation
WHICH APPLES TO USE FOR THE CAKE?
For this apple and hazelnut cake I used Golden Delicious apples, but you can use any variety you prefer.
WHICH HAZELNUTS TO USE?
There are about 300 hazelnut varieties, so you have a wide choice. The important thing is that they are shelled and toasted. For your information, I use good-quality hazelnuts produced in Italy or Turkey, depending on what I find at the supermarket.
Flavor the apples:
Peel the apples, cut them into thin slices and drizzle with lemon juice, rum, about 1 1/2 tbsp of sugar taken from the total sugar amount, cinnamon and finally nutmeg. This step will prevent oxidation and make the apples even more aromatic.
Chop the toasted hazelnuts:
Chop the hazelnuts and set them aside (they will be added later with the dry ingredients).
For the apple and hazelnut cake batter:
Beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer, or if you don’t have one use a whisk, until the mixture is pale and frothy.
Incorporate soft butter into the mixture. You can leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes, or warm it slightly in the microwave for a maximum of 5-10 seconds. This will allow it to continue to trap air during mixing and the cake will be light and airy.
Gradually add the flour to which you have added the baking powder, using a hand whisk.
Also add the hazelnuts, and finally the apples, leaving aside about 25 slices to decorate the top of the cake before baking.
Finally, gently fold a portion of the apples into the batter with a spatula.
Pour the batter into a springform pan 22 cm (≈9 in) in diameter (if you don’t have a springform pan, any pan of similar size will do), buttered and floured. Decorate the cake surface with the remaining apple slices and sprinkle generously with pearl sugar.
Bake in a preheated oven at 356 °F (180 °C), fan-assisted for 30 minutes.
To check if the cake is done, perform the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean and dry, it’s ready. If it comes out with moist batter, it needs more time.
Silvana’s Tips
You can use Golden or Reinette apples for a more aromatic result.
If you prefer, hazelnuts can be replaced with almonds for a milder variation.
Besides pearl sugar, the apple and hazelnut cake can also be enjoyed with a dusting of powdered sugar after baking.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, in fact it’s even better the next day because the flavours intensify.
Can I substitute the rum?
Of course! You can replace it with orange juice or additional lemon juice for a more citrusy version.
Can I use brown sugar?
Yes, it will give a more caramelized and rustic flavour.
