Apple pie with meringue

Apple and Meringue Cake – a childhood delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn’t remember the enticing aroma of baked apples? This apple and meringue cake is a perfect combination of soft cake and juicy apple filling, topped with a fluffy meringue that will bring a smile to your face. Initially, I wanted to make a classic pie, but I decided to let my creativity run wild, and thus this delicious recipe was born. Perfect for evenings with friends or family meals, the apple and meringue cake will surely become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 package of butter (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup of sugar (300 ml)
- 1 cup of yogurt (300 ml)
- 1 cup of oil (150 ml)
- 2 cups of flour (approximately 300 g)
- ½ packet of baking powder
- ½ packet of ammonium for baking
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon essence (optional)

For the filling:
- 2 kg of apples (preferably tart)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of semolina
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

For the meringue:
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon

Decoration:
- 4 tablespoons of grated apples

Preparation of the cake

Step 1: Preparing the apples
Start by washing the apples well. Peel them and cut them in half, removing the seeds. Use a large grater or a food processor, being careful not to puree them too much; we want to keep the texture! Place the apples in a pot over low heat, adding sugar and cinnamon. Cook them until they change color and release some syrup. Set aside 4-5 tablespoons of the mixture and place them in a strainer to drain excess syrup. Add the semolina over the remaining apples and mix well. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Preparing the cake batter
In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar and a pinch of salt until fluffy and creamy. Add the egg yolks, oil, lemon zest, and essence, mixing well. In another container, dilute the baking powder and ammonium in yogurt, mixing gently to avoid foaming. Add the yogurt mixture to the butter mixture and blend. Start gradually incorporating the flour, mixing until you achieve a batter slightly thicker than a loaf cake.

Step 3: Baking the cake
Line a 26/36 cm baking tray with parchment paper and pour the cake batter into it. Use the back of a spoon to level the surface evenly. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes, until it is lightly browned. Do not open the oven door too early, as this may cause the cake to collapse.

Step 4: Adding the apples
After 25 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and add the apple mixture, which should be warm, not cold. Spread the apples evenly and bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Preparing the meringue
While the cake and apples are baking, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a white, fluffy foam. Gradually add the sugar and lemon juice, continuing to mix vigorously until you achieve a firm meringue that holds peaks.

Step 6: Finishing the cake
Remove the tray from the oven and spread the meringue over the apple mixture. Sprinkle the remaining drained apples on top. Return the tray to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the meringue becomes golden and crispy.

Serving and useful tips

Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting it into servings. It is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an even more decadent touch.

Variations of the recipe

- Add nuts or almonds: You can sprinkle some chopped nuts or almonds over the apples for added texture and flavor.
- Use other fruits: Instead of apples, you can experiment with peaches or apricots, creating a summer fruit cake.
- Additional flavorings: You can add grated ginger or nutmeg to enhance the flavors of the cake.

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, while the meringue adds a touch of protein through the egg whites. This cake can be enjoyed in moderation, considering its sugar content, but it is a healthier choice compared to many other desserts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned apples?
While it is possible, it is recommended to use fresh apples to achieve the best texture and flavor.

2. How can I tell when the meringue is ready?
The meringue is ready when it forms firm peaks and becomes slightly golden around the edges.

3. What can I do with leftover meringue?
You can use leftover meringue to make mini pavlovas or add it to another dessert, such as a mousse.

Conclusion

The apple and meringue cake is a simple yet impressive recipe that will make any meal more special. With a perfect blend of flavors and textures, it is a dessert that will bring joy and nostalgia in every bite. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on this recipe and share it with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: Base: 5 egg yolks, 1 pack of butter, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of yogurt, 1 cup of oil, 2 cups of flour with a peak, 1/2 packet of baking powder, 1/2 packet of ammonium for baking, grated lemon peel, lemon essence. Filling: 2 kg of apples, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of semolina, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Meringue: 5 egg whites, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, juice of one lemon. Decor: 4 tablespoons of grated apples.

 Tags:  apple pie meringue pie