Apple pie with meringue

Apple meringue cake is a true delicacy that combines sweet flavors and contrasting textures, perfect for any occasion. This recipe not only blends the delicious taste of apples with a fluffy meringue but is also a wonderful choice for those who want to surprise their family and friends with a refined yet simple dessert to make. Moreover, it is an excellent way to use fresh apples, bringing a touch of nature to the plate.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

For the apple filling:
- 2 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Gala or Golden apples)
- Sugar to taste (approximately 200-250 g, depending on how sweet the apples are)
- Cinnamon, to preference (approximately 1-2 tablespoons)

For the base:
- 5 eggs (only the yolks)
- 250 g sugar
- 180 ml oil (sunflower oil is a good choice)
- 125 ml boiling water
- One lemon (zest + juice)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 10 g baking powder dissolved with lemon juice
- Flour as needed (approximately 110 g)

For the meringue:
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons of sugar

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples well and peel them. Use a large grater or a food processor to grate them. Place them in a non-stick pan and sprinkle sugar over them. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples release their juice and become slightly soft, about 10-15 minutes. Finally, add the cinnamon, mix well, and let cool.

2. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, separate the yolks from the whites. Use a mixer to beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and changes color to white. Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously. Next, pour in the boiling water, mixing quickly to avoid cooking the yolks.

3. Add the yeast and dry ingredients: When the mixture is warm, add the yeast, mixing well. Squeeze the juice from one lemon and add the baking powder dissolved in lemon juice. Gradually add the flour until the dough becomes homogeneous and slightly thicker than sour cream.

4. Assembling and baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking tray (29x35 cm) with butter and pour in the base mixture. Evenly add the apple mixture on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the base turns golden.

5. Preparing the meringue: While the base is baking, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a firm and shiny meringue. When the base is ready, remove the tray from the oven, add the meringue on top of the apples, and level it with a spatula. Put the tray back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the meringue becomes golden and crispy.

6. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool for at least one hour. This time is essential as it allows the meringue to stabilize and develop those golden drops on top. Once cooled, slice and enjoy.

Useful tips

- Choosing the apples: Sweet and aromatic apples will make a difference in the final taste of the cake. If you prefer a tangy note, you can combine sweet apples with some tart ones.
- The perfect meringue: Ensure that the bowl and utensils you use for the meringue are completely clean and free of grease. This detail is crucial for obtaining a stable meringue.
- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors in the meringue, adding a few drops of vanilla or almond essence. You can also replace the apples with other fruits, such as pears or peaches, for a seasonal variation.

Delicious combinations

The apple meringue cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. A cup of black tea or a fragrant coffee complements this dessert perfectly.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants, promoting digestive health and strengthening the immune system. Although the cake contains sugar and fats, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use canned apples? While it is possible, it is preferable to use fresh apples to achieve a better texture and a more vibrant taste.
- How do I store the cake? The cake can be stored in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. The meringue may become soft if exposed to moisture, so it's best to consume it as soon as possible.
- Can I freeze the cake? It is recommended to avoid freezing the meringue cake as it may lose its texture. You can freeze only the base and then add the apples and meringue before serving.

An apple meringue cake is not just a dessert, but a family story, memories, and moments spent together. It may become your favorite, just like it is for my little boy, Rares, who loves every bite! So let’s enjoy cooking and create something truly special!

 Ingredients: What we need for the apple filling: - 2 kg apples; - sugar to taste; - cinnamon to your liking; What we need for the base: - 5 eggs (only the yolks); - 250 g sugar; - 180 ml oil; - 125 ml boiling water; - one lemon (zest + juice); - 25 g yeast; - 10 g baking powder mixed with lemon juice; - flour as needed (I used about 110 g). What we need for the meringue: - 5 eggs (only the whites); - 5 tablespoons of sugar.

 Tags:  apple pie