Introducing the delightful Apple Cream Lasagna, a dessert marvel that’s not just amazingly good but also destined to become the highlight of your culinary repertoire, sparking conversations and winning hearts with its tantalizing blend of flavors and textures! This indulgent dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.
With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour, including baking, this recipe fits snugly into the “under 60 minutes” category, making it an ideal choice for those craving a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Now, let’s delve into the delicious details of this Apple Cream Lasagna. First, gather your ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles, 1/3 cup butter (divided), 6 Granny Smith apples, 1/3 cup brown sugar (plus extra for the cream mixture), 1/2 cup pecans, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 package (8 ounces) light cream cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup granulated sugar (divided), 1 cup whipped cream, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs.
To kickstart the culinary adventure, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Next, place the lasagna noodles in an 11 by 7 inch baking dish and cover them with warm water, allowing them to soak for 20 minutes until they become pliable. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
While the noodles are soaking, it’s time to work on the luscious apple filling. In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat, then add the sliced Granny Smith apples, covering and cooking them for about 10 minutes until they turn tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the apples are cooked to perfection, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, along with the chopped pecans and fragrant ground cinnamon. Set this delectable apple mixture aside to cool slightly.
Now, let’s focus on the creamy layer that adds a luxurious touch to our dessert masterpiece. In a large bowl, combine the light cream cheese and the remaining brown sugar, beating them together for about 3 minutes until they become light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and velvety. Set this heavenly cream mixture aside as we move on to the next step.
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter and add the breadcrumbs and half of the granulated sugar, stirring until the mixture is golden and fragrant. This breadcrumb topping will add a delightful crunch to our Apple Cream Lasagna.
Now, it’s time to assemble our masterpiece! Begin by spreading half of the apple mixture evenly on the bottom of the baking dish, followed by a layer of 3 lasagna noodles. Next, spread half of the cream mixture over the noodles and repeat the layering process with the remaining apple mixture and noodles. Finally, top it all off with the remaining cream mixture and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top for that irresistible golden finish.
Pop the assembled Apple Cream Lasagna into the preheated oven and bake it for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling with deliciousness. Once baked, allow the lasagna to stand for 20 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
With its creamy layers, sweet-tart apple filling, and crunchy breadcrumb topping, this Apple Cream Lasagna is guaranteed to be a showstopper at any gathering. So go ahead, dare to try this culinary delight and prepare to be amazed!
