Apple pie with meringue

Apple Meringue Cake: A Delight for Dessert Lovers

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who can resist a dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with a fluffy and crunchy meringue? Apple meringue cake is a classic recipe, deeply rooted in culinary traditions, symbolizing comfort and the warmth of home. It is perfect for festive meals as well as for a quiet afternoon, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy, step by step, for a perfect result!

Necessary Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 180 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 125 ml boiling water
- 1 packet baking powder
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Flour (approximately 200 g, as needed)

For the apple filling:
- 2 kg apples (choose sour apples for a savory contrast)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the meringue:
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Ingredient Details

- Apples: Choose fresh, in-season apples with a firm texture. Sour apples add a note of freshness and balance the sweetness.
- Sugar: You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor and darker color of the meringue.
- Oil: Sunflower oil is recommended, but you can also opt for canola or olive oil, depending on your preferences.

Step by Step: Preparing the Apple Meringue Cake

1. Preparing the Base:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy and doubled in volume. This is the base that will provide moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Add the oil and mix well. Then, incorporate the baking powder dissolved in lemon juice and the yeast, mixing to combine all the ingredients well.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously, until you obtain a homogeneous dough, the consistency of thicker sour cream. Avoid a dough that is too thin, as it will cause the apples to sink to the bottom.

2. Preparing the Baking Tray:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the dough into the tray and level it evenly.

3. Preparing the Apple Filling:
- Peel the apples and grate them on a large grater. Place them in a pan, add the sugar and cinnamon, and sauté until soft but still firm. This step is essential to avoid a filling that is too wet.
- Evenly distribute the sautéed apples over the dough in the tray.

4. Baking the Base:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for about 30 minutes. Make sure to do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

5. Preparing the Meringue:
- In another clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until you obtain a shiny and firm meringue. Add the lemon juice to stabilize the meringue and give it a fresh flavor.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and spread the meringue evenly over the entire surface. You can use a fork to create decorative stripes, giving it a rustic appearance.

6. Finalizing the Baking:
- Put the cake back in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden and crispy on the surface. Make sure not to leave it too long, as the meringue can burn.

7. Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the tray. This will allow the apple syrup to rise to the surface, creating a wonderful appearance.
- Cut the cake with a sharp knife, which you will wipe before each slice to achieve clean cuts.

Serving Suggestions

This apple meringue cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for a creamy contrast. It is also perfect alongside a fragrant tea or a well-brewed coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can try this recipe with pears or apricots, each bringing its unique flavor.

- How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. The meringue can become soft if exposed to moisture, so it’s best to consume it within a few days.

- How many calories are in a serving?
A serving of this cake has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It’s a delicious dessert, but don’t overdo it with the portions!

Nutritional Benefits

Apples are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. The meringue, although sweet, offers a light and airy texture, making the dessert not overly heavy.

Possible Variations

- You can add chopped nuts to the apple filling for an extra crunch.
- Replace cinnamon with nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor.
- Experiment with vanilla or almond extracts in the meringue to vary the flavors.

Of course, the apple meringue cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a cooking experience that brings together tradition and innovation. When you prepare it, you will bring a touch of happiness to every serving! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: for the base: 5 egg yolks 200 g sugar 180 ml oil 125 ml boiled water 1 packet baking powder 15 g yeast 2 tablespoons lemon juice flour as needed (about 200 g) for the apple filling: 2 kg apples 5 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon for the meringue: 5 egg whites 5 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice

 Tags:  apple pie meringue cake