Apple Charlotte Recipe
This Apple Charlotte is a delightful and aromatic dessert that combines the warmth of tender apples, a touch of brandy, and the richness of sweet apricot jam. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dessert brings a comforting sweetness to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 70g |
| Whole Milk | 150ml |
| Brandy | 50ml |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Lemon Zest | 1 lemon |
| Vanilla Pod | 1 |
| Apricot Jam | 150g |
| Renette Apples (or any tart apple) | 1kg |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Savoiardi (ladyfingers) | 250g |
| Apricot Jam (for glazing) | 1 tbsp |
Directions
-
Prepare the Apples:
Begin by peeling and coring the Renette apples. Cut them into thin slices, about 2-3 mm thick. -
Cook the Apples:
In a large skillet, melt 50g of butter over low heat. Add the sliced apples to the pan and deglaze with the brandy. Grate the zest of one lemon into the skillet and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon. Let the apples cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down. If needed, add a little water to prevent the apples from sticking to the pan. Once the apples are softened and partially mashed, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. -
Prepare the Charlotte Pan:
Grease a charlotte pan with butter and line the sides with parchment paper. Begin arranging the savoiardi (ladyfingers) around the perimeter of the pan, making sure they fit snugly. Once the sides are covered, use the remaining savoiardi to line the bottom of the pan. -
Assemble the Charlotte:
Stir the apricot jam into the slightly cooled apple mixture until well combined. Pour the apple filling into the prepared pan, leveling the surface with a spatula. Use a knife to trim the excess savoiardi, if needed, and smooth the edges. -
Top and Bake:
Crumble the leftover savoiardi over the top of the apple mixture, scattering them evenly. Melt the remaining 20g of butter and drizzle it over the top of the dessert. Place the pan in a preheated oven set to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp. -
Finishing Touches:
After baking, allow the charlotte to cool slightly. Once it has cooled to room temperature, gently remove the dessert from the pan. To give it a shiny, attractive finish, glaze the top with the apricot jam that has been strained to remove any solids. Brush the warm jam over the surface of the dessert for a beautiful, glossy finish. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the apple charlotte warm or at room temperature for a comforting, flavorful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips:
- For a more indulgent dessert, you can add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to the apple mixture for added crunch.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and adjust the sweetness of the apricot jam according to your taste.
This Apple Charlotte is a perfect blend of fruity sweetness, buttery savoiardi, and rich apricot glaze. It’s bound to become a favorite in your collection of go-to desserts!
