Chile’s culinary landscape is rich and diverse, with influences that weave together indigenous, European, and immigrant traditions. Among its delicious offerings is the Chilean Apple and Walnut Kuchen, a delectable fusion of Central European baking traditions and local flavors.
Before embarking on baking, your kitchen comes alive with the aromatic promise of this treat. You start by preparing a rustic dough, effortlessly blending flour, sugar, and baking powder with chilled butter, creating a crumbly texture that hints at the kuchen’s delightful base. Once you’ve pressed this dough into a greased baking pan, you move on to the star ingredients.
The apples, peeled and sliced to perfection, absorb the warm embrace of brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, producing an irresistible filling that speaks of autumnal comfort. Adding chopped walnuts not only introduces a pleasing crunch but also enriches the flavor profile with a touch of earthy nuttiness. This blend of apples and walnuts is deeply embedded in Chilean baking tradition, paying homage to the country’s abundant apple orchards and walnut farms.
Once the filling is spread over the base, the baking process begins, filling the kitchen with a heart-warming fragrance. As it bakes, the kuchen develops a golden crust, while the apples turn tender, their natural juices merging with the spices to create a symphony of flavors.
After cooling for a while, each slice reveals a beautifully balanced bite—a crisp crust, soft apples spiced just right, and crunchy walnuts combining in perfect harmony. This Chilean Apple and Walnut Kuchen captures the essence of homey comfort, celebrating the simple yet profound joy found in shared family recipes and local ingredients.
Ingredients
2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 tsp of baking powder
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1 large egg
1/4 cup of milk
4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1/2 cup of walnuts, chopped
1 tbsp of lemon juice
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend in 1/2 cup of chilled, unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, beat 1 large egg and then stir in 1/4 cup of milk.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly.
6. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s an even layer.
7. In another bowl, combine 4 peeled, cored, and sliced apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well-coated.
8. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!