Caramelized Sweet Onion & Apple Delight Cake
This innovative dessert combines the unexpected sweetness of caramelized sweet onions with the tartness of Granny Smith apples, creating a delightful culinary experience that’s both flavorful and heart-healthy. Perfect for sharing on special occasions like Valentine's Day, this unique cake features a light, yolk-less batter that allows the natural sweetness of the ingredients to shine. Using only sweet onions such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, this upside-down cake becomes chewy and sweet during baking. Serve it with a light dusting of confectioner's sugar for an elegant finish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonfat cooking spray
as needed (for greasing baking sheets and pan)
Medium sweet onion
1 (peeled and sliced into one inch strips)
Granny Smith apples
8 (peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch slices)
Canola oil
1/3 cup (or extra light olive oil)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for flavoring)
Confectioners' sugar
as needed (for dusting)
Egg whites
4 (beaten until foamy)
All-purpose flour
1 cup (sifted)
Baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (for leavening)
Nonfat milk
5 ounces (for moisture)
Granulated sugar
3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (for sweetness)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Liberally spray two baking sheets with nonfat cooking spray. Spread the peeled and sliced sweet onions evenly on one baking sheet and the apple slices on the other.
3
Bake the onions in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until they are caramelized and tender. Bake the apple slices for 4-5 minutes until just softened, then remove from the oven and set aside.
4
In a 10-inch skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Once hot, stir in the packed brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until dissolved. Take the skillet off the heat and gently fold in the caramelized onions, allowing them to soak in the syrupy mixture.
5
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy and soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, nonfat milk, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar to the bowl, mixing until just combined and smooth.
6
Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonfat cooking spray. Pour the caramelized onion and brown sugar mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
7
Layer the softened Granny Smith apple slices over the onion mixture, pressing them down gently to fill any gaps.
8
Pour the batter over the apples and onions, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool to room temperature. When cool, carefully invert the pan onto a serving tray, allowing the caramelized onion and apple layer to be on top. Finish with a light dusting of confectioner's sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caramelized Sweet Onion & Apple Delight Cake?
It is an innovative dessert that combines the sweetness of caramelized sweet onions with the tartness of Granny Smith apples for a heart-healthy, flavorful experience.
Which onion varieties are recommended for this recipe?
Sweet onions such as Vidalia or Walla Walla are recommended to ensure a chewy and sweet result during baking.
What type of apples should be used?
The recipe specifically calls for Granny Smith apples for their tartness.
What is the required oven temperature for preheating?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the onions need to bake to caramelize?
The onions should bake for approximately 1 hour until they are caramelized and tender.
How long should the apple slices be baked?
Bake the apple slices for only 4-5 minutes until they are just softened.
How do I prepare the caramelized onion mixture in the skillet?
Heat canola oil, stir in packed brown sugar and cinnamon until dissolved, then fold in the caramelized onions to soak.
What size skillet is needed for the onion mixture?
A 10-inch skillet is required for heating the oil and sugar mixture.
How should the egg whites be prepared for the batter?
Beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until they are foamy and soft peaks begin to form.
What size baking pan is used for the cake?
The recipe uses a 9x13-inch baking pan.
How do you assemble the layers in the baking pan?
Pour the onion-sugar mixture on the bottom, layer the apples over it, and then pour the batter over everything.
How long does the cake take to bake in the final step?
The cake should bake for about 45 minutes.
How do you know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the final serving procedure for this upside-down cake?
Allow it to cool to room temperature, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving tray so the fruit layer is on top.
Is there a specific garnish for this cake?
Yes, finish the cake with a light dusting of confectioner's sugar before serving.
Does this recipe use egg yolks?
No, this is a yolk-less batter that uses 4 egg whites.
What type of oil can be used besides canola oil?
Extra light olive oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil.
How many apples are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 Granny Smith apples.
What are the dimensions for slicing the onions?
The sweet onion should be peeled and sliced into one-inch strips.
What is the recommended thickness for the apple slices?
The apples should be sliced into 1/8-inch slices.
How much milk is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of nonfat milk.
What type of flour is needed?
You will need 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much brown sugar is used for the caramelization?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
How much granulated sugar is added to the batter?
The batter requires 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What leavening agent is used?
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder are used for leavening.
Is this cake considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is described as heart-healthy and uses nonfat milk and egg whites.
When is it appropriate to serve this cake?
It is perfect for sharing on special occasions like Valentine's Day.
How do you prepare the baking sheets?
Liberally spray two baking sheets with nonfat cooking spray before spreading the onions and apples.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Should the onions be peeled before slicing?
Yes, the onions should be peeled and then sliced into one-inch strips.