Apple sheets with vanilla cream

Delicious recipe for apple and vanilla cream pastry

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 90-120 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12-16

Who doesn't love a cake that melts in your mouth, with rich flavors of vanilla and apples? This recipe for apple and vanilla cream pastry is truly a delight worth trying. It is a dessert that combines tradition with refinement, an excellent choice for any special occasion or simply to indulge your family on an ordinary day. So, get ready to enjoy a sweet moment!

A short story
Pastries with layers and creams have a long history, being prepared in various forms in many cultures. They are often associated with festive moments, served at anniversaries or family gatherings. The aroma of apples and vanilla evokes pleasant memories, and their combination makes this dessert a classic loved by many.

Ingredients

For 4 layers (tray 24 x 37 cm):
- 18 tablespoons sparkling water
- 18 tablespoons oil
- 15 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Grated zest of one orange
- 700-750 g flour

Apple filling:
- 1.5 kg apples (choose sweet and aromatic apples, such as Golden or Jonagold)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Vanilla cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla beans (or regular sugar)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons butter

Step by step

1. Preparing the layers

1. In a large bowl, combine the sparkling water, oil, sugar, and grated orange zest. Whisk until the sugar begins to dissolve.
2. Sift the flour with the baking powder and gradually add it to the liquid mixture. Knead gently until you obtain a homogeneous dough, with the consistency of soft play dough.
3. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Cover them with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

2. Baking the layers

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Roll out the first part of the dough on a lightly floured surface, as thin as possible. Transfer the sheet to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, greasing the bottom of the tray with margarine to prevent sticking.
3. Prick the sheet with a fork here and there to allow steam to escape during baking.
4. Bake the sheet for 10-12 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden. Remove the sheet from the oven and let it cool on a wooden board. Repeat the process for the other 3 sheets.

3. Preparing the apple filling

1. Wash the apples well, peel them, and grate them coarsely.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the grated apples. Squeeze them gently to remove excess juice (which you can enjoy as a snack!).
3. Add the sugar and mix well, letting the mixture simmer over medium heat until the liquid evaporates (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Finally, add the cinnamon and let it cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors. Let the filling cool.

4. Preparing the vanilla cream

1. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and powdered sugar with vanilla beans. Thin the mixture with a little milk.
2. Add the cornstarch and mix well to avoid lumps.
3. In a saucepan, bring the remaining milk to a boil. When it starts to boil, incorporate the cornstarch and egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce the heat and let the cream simmer over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens, just like pudding. Turn off the heat and add the butter, stirring until completely melted. Flavor the cream with vanilla essence.

5. Assembling the cake

1. Place the first layer of dough on a platter.
2. Spread half of the cooled apple filling evenly.
3. Place the second layer of dough and pour the hot vanilla cream over it. Spread it evenly.
4. Add the third layer of dough, followed by the remaining apples. Finally, place the last layer of dough on top.
5. Place something heavy on the cake (a wooden board or another tray) and let it cool in the refrigerator overnight. This step is essential to allow the layers to soften and the flavors to combine.

Helpful tip
If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add some chopped nuts to the apple filling or use caramelized apples instead of plain ones. Also, for an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle a little sea salt over the vanilla cream before layering the sheets.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! This recipe can easily be adapted to other fruits, such as pears or peaches. In each case, make sure the fruits are ripe and adjust the amount of sugar according to their sweetness.

2. How can I store the cake?
The apple and vanilla cream pastry keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to a week. The flavors will intensify over time!

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A cup of black or green tea will perfectly complement the flavors of the cake, while a sweet wine or apple cider can be a delicious choice for an elegant dessert.

Nutritional benefits
This cake provides a good source of vitamins from apples, which are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Additionally, the vanilla cream adds a special flavor and creamy texture, while the dough contains complex carbohydrates that give you energy.

Personal note
This recipe reminds me of the moments spent with my grandmother in the kitchen, where the aroma of baked apples filled our home. It is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings back memories of traditions and beautiful moments. So, don't hesitate to try it and share it with your loved ones!

I hope you found this recipe engaging and easy to follow. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For 4 sheets: (tray size 24 x 37) 18 tablespoons mineral water 18 tablespoons oil 15 tablespoons sugar 1 pinch of baking powder grated orange peel 700-750 g flour Apple filling: 1.5 kg apples 1 tablespoon butter 5-6 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Vanilla cream: 500 ml milk 2 egg yolks 4 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons starch 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla beans 2 teaspoons vanilla essence 2 tablespoons butter

 Tags:  apple pie vanilla cream cake