Apple dessert with cherry jam

Apple and cherry jam dessert - A sweet and fragrant delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8

Today, I invite you to prepare a delicious and simple dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the unmistakable flavor of cherry jam. This dessert is not only a fantastic option for a snack but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy to your days. Moreover, preparing it is a breeze, and the result will surely impress your family and friends!

The story of this dessert indulges in ancient traditions when seasonal fruits were preserved in various forms, and jams were used to add a touch of sweetness to dishes. Apples, a classic ingredient, are known for their versatility and can be used in countless combinations. In this recipe, we combine boiled apples with cherry jam to create a velvety filling full of flavor.

Ingredients

- 1 package of puff pastry (approximately 500g)
- 1 kg apples (choose sweet-sour varieties for a balanced taste)
- 1 jar of cherry jam (approximately 400g)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust the amount to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 10 walnuts (chopped)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- Oil (for greasing the pan)
- Flour (for dusting the pan)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for decoration)

Preparing the dessert

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the apples well, then peel them and remove the cores. You can slice them into thin rounds, cubes, or strips, depending on your preference. Personally, I recommend choosing strips as they integrate perfectly into the filling.

2. Boiling the apples
Place the apple strips in a pot, add enough water to cover them, and then put the pot on the heat. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and a little cinnamon, which will add a warm and comforting aroma. Let them boil for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly soft. After draining, let them cool a bit.

3. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the boiled apple strips with the cherry jam, chopped walnuts, and almond extract. If you want a sweeter filling, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar, but be careful not to make it too sweet, as the jam already provides a sugar boost.

4. Preparing the pan
Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C if using a fan oven). Grease a tart pan with a little oil and then sprinkle flour to prevent the pastry from sticking. Then, unfold the puff pastry package and place it in the pan, raising it on the edges. Don't forget to keep a portion of the pastry to create the lattice.

5. Filling the dessert
Evenly spread the apple and cherry jam mixture over the pastry in the pan. Make sure it is well distributed to achieve an even texture.

6. Creating the lattice
From the remaining pastry, shape thin strips that you will place over the filling to form a lattice. This will not only look beautiful, but it will also allow steam to escape during baking, resulting in a crispy exterior and a velvety interior.

7. Baking
Beat an egg and brush the lattice with it for a golden and shiny appearance. Bake the dessert in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden and appetizing.

8. Cooling and serving
Once baked, let the dessert cool completely before cutting it. This will allow the filling to set and make slicing easier. Serve it plain or with a scoop of cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips

- Choosing apples: Opt for apples that have a firm texture and a balanced flavor, such as sweet-sour ones, to give the dessert a fresh note.
- Cherry jam: If you don't have cherry jam, you can use plum or peach jam to vary the flavors.
- Variations: You can add other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to enrich the flavor of the filling.
- Decoration: For a special look, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the lattice before baking.

Nutritional information
This dessert contains approximately 250 calories per serving, making it a relatively light choice but full of flavor. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while walnuts provide healthy fats and protein.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with different types of jams or fresh fruits.
- Is this dessert suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe by using vegan pastry and replacing the egg with a mixture of water and flaxseeds.
- How can I store the dessert? It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days.

This apple and cherry jam dessert is not only easy to prepare but also a true delight for the senses. Enjoy cooking and savoring!