Apple cake with meringue (or with sweet cheese)
Apple Meringue Cake – A sweet delicacy that will enrich your family meals and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. This classic recipe is perfect for both an afternoon snack and a special occasion. With a soft base and fragrant apple filling, topped with a light and fluffy meringue, this cake is truly irresistible. I invite you to discover how to prepare it step by step, bringing it to life in your own kitchen.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the base:
- 5-6 egg yolks
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 50 g semolina
- Zest of one lemon
For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably sweet-sour varieties)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
- Sweet cheese variant: 1 kg cottage cheese, sugar to taste, 2 whole eggs, and a packet of vanilla sugar
For the meringue:
- 6 (or more) egg whites
- 199 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the base
1. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and butter until you get a fluffy cream. It is important that the butter is well incorporated, so the base is soft and flavorful.
2. Gradually add the baking powder and flour, alternating with the milk, mixing constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Finally, add the semolina and lemon zest, mixing well. Give it a fresh and aromatic taste!
Step 2: Baking the base
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease it with a little butter.
5. Pour the base mixture into the tray, smoothing it with a spatula.
6. Bake the base for 15-20 minutes, until it starts to turn a light golden crust. Don’t worry if it’s not fully baked; it will finish cooking with the apples!
Step 3: Preparing the apple filling
7. Wash the apples and grate them, keeping the skin for added nutrients and texture.
8. Mix the grated apples with the sugar and cinnamon. Let them sit for a few minutes to release their juice. Then, squeeze them well to remove excess liquid and add the semolina, mixing again.
Step 4: Combining and final baking
9. Remove the tray from the oven and evenly sprinkle the apple filling over the base. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed for a consistent taste.
10. Bake the cake again for 20-25 minutes, until the apples are soft and the base is well cooked.
Step 5: Preparing the meringue
11. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until they become frothy. Gradually add the lemon juice and sugar, continuing to mix until you get a stiff, glossy meringue.
12. With 10 minutes left before the cake is done, take the tray out of the oven and spread the meringue evenly over the apples. This will form a delicious crust during baking.
Step 6: Final baking
13. Put the cake back in the oven and let it bake for 10-15 minutes, until the meringue turns golden and crispy.
Step 7: Cooling and serving
14. Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely. You will notice small sugar droplets forming on the meringue, a sign that it is perfectly cooked.
15. Slice the cake and enjoy! It is delicious both warm and cold.
Practical tips
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of apple meringue cake has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the meringue adds sweetness without adding fats.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as pears or peaches. Also, instead of semolina, you can use almond flour for a different taste.
- Serving suggestions: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea will perfectly complement the meal!
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of apples? Yes, you can use tart or sweet apples, depending on your preferences.
- How can I make the meringue stiffer? Make sure the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is clean and dry, and use granulated sugar, not powdered.
- Can I make the cake with sweet cheese? Absolutely! Replace the apples with sweet cheese mixed with sugar and eggs for a savory variant.
The apple meringue cake is not just a recipe but an experience that brings together culinary tradition and innovation. So, put on your apron and enjoy this delicacy! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the base: 5-6 egg yolks, 200 g butter, 100 g sugar, 500 g white flour, 1 baking powder, 1 cup milk, 50 g semolina, grated zest of one lemon. For the filling: 1-1.5 kg apples, 100 g sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon (if made with cottage cheese, we need 1 kg cheese, sugar to taste, 2 whole eggs, and a packet of vanilla sugar). For the meringue: 6 (or more) egg whites, 199 g sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
