Apple pie with meringue

Apple and Meringue Cake - A Sweet and Fragrant Memory

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Who doesn't love an apple cake, especially when it's topped with fluffy meringue? This apple and meringue cake is a traditional recipe that brings back fond memories of family time around the table, enjoying a warm dessert fresh out of the oven. It's a perfect choice for a weekend day or a special occasion, and I've adapted it to use the egg whites I had in the freezer, which gives it an even better texture and flavor. Let's get started!

The necessary ingredients for this cake are:

For the base:
- 3 large eggs
- 14 tablespoons of sugar
- 14 tablespoons of milk (preferably whole for a rich taste)
- 14 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 18 tablespoons of flour (wheat flour, preferably type 550)
- 1 baking powder
- Vanilla (an essence or vanilla paste for extra flavor)

For the filling:
- 1 kg of apples (tart apples are the most suitable)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 g of butter or margarine
- Cinnamon (to taste, but feel free to add more for a more intense flavor)

For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites (from fresh eggs)
- 1 cup of sugar (granulated or fine sugar)
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla (the same essence as above)

Step by Step to Perfection

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks, being careful not to leave any traces of yolk in the whites. This will affect the texture of the meringue. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Step 1 - The base: Begin by beating the eggs with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer. Continue beating until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy. Gradually add the sugar while mixing. When the sugar is completely dissolved, incorporate the oil and mix well.

3. Step 2 - Combining the ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Add this mixture to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix with a spatula until everything is well combined. The final consistency should be thicker than pancake batter but thinner than cake batter.

4. Step 3 - The apples: Peel and grate the apples. Place them in a saucepan with the sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the juice reduces and the apples become soft. This step is essential for giving the filling an intense flavor and pleasant texture.

5. Step 4 - Baking the base: Grease a baking pan with butter or margarine and dust it with flour. Pour the base mixture into the pan and bake for 10-12 minutes. It is important that the base is not fully baked, but just firm enough to support the sautéed apples.

6. Step 5 - The meringue: While the base is in the oven, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until the meringue becomes glossy, firm, and sticky. Finally, add the vanilla and mix gently.

7. Step 6 - Assembling: Remove the pan from the oven and add the sautéed apples over the base, spreading them evenly. Spread the meringue over the apples with a spatula, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

8. Step 7 - Final baking: Return the pan to the oven on low heat with the door slightly ajar. This will help the meringue dry evenly and become firm. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden and firm to the touch.

9. Cooling and serving: The apple and meringue cake should be allowed to cool completely before cutting. Its aroma will fill the entire house, and its appearance will be simply irresistible. Serve it plain or with a vanilla sauce on the side.

Tips and Tricks

- The apples: Choose tart apples, such as Granny Smith or other varieties that hold their shape. These will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the meringue.
- Perfect meringue: Ensure that the bowl and utensils are completely clean and free of grease to achieve the ideal meringue. If you have a bit of lemon juice or vinegar, you can add a drop to the egg whites to help stabilize them.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the meringue for added texture. You can also experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to give an aromatic twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately)

- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can I do with leftover egg whites? You can use egg whites in other recipes, such as macarons or fluffy omelets.
2. Can I use canned apples? Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid the filling being too wet.
3. How can I adapt the recipe to make it gluten-free? You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure to add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum.

This apple and meringue cake is not just a dessert, but a family story, a way to reconnect with cherished memories. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy every bite. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: for the base: 3 eggs 14 tablespoons of sugar 14 tablespoons of milk 14 tablespoons of oil 18 tablespoons of flour 1 baking powder vanilla for the filling: 1 kg apples 4 tablespoons sugar 50 g butter/margarine cinnamon to taste for the meringue: 4 egg whites 1 cup of sugar a pinch of salt vanilla

 Tags:  apple pie