Apple Charlotte Recipe
Introduction:
Apple Charlotte is a classic English dessert that traces its origins back to the 15th century and is rumored to have been named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. This delightful dish combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and buttery bread, creating a dessert that’s perfect for holidays like Christmas or festive gatherings throughout the year.
Recipe Overview:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 210.4 kcal
- Rating: 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Ingredients:
- 2 cooking apples
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 210.4 kcal
- Fat: 11.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.3 g
- Cholesterol: 30.5 mg
- Sodium: 6.3 mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.7 g
- Fiber: 4.6 g
- Sugars: 22.4 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the cooking apples.
- In a saucepan, combine the sliced apples with ground cinnamon, lemon zest, lemon juice, and light brown sugar.
- Cover the saucepan and simmer gently over medium heat until the apples are soft and pulpy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
-
Make the Apple Purée:
- Once the apples are soft, mash them thoroughly with a wooden spoon or potato masher to create a smooth purée.
- Continue to cook the purée over medium-high heat, uncovered, stirring continuously, until excess liquid evaporates and the purée thickens to a spreadable consistency. This step helps intensify the flavors.
-
Prepare the Bread and Tin:
- While the apple purée is thickening, prepare your bread slices. Lightly butter each slice on one side.
- Grease a 6-inch deep cake tin or a suitable substitute like a coffee can or vegetables tin (ensure it has no ridges that could affect the shape).
- Line the base and sides of the tin with the buttered slices of bread, overlapping them slightly to create a sturdy layer.
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Assemble the Charlotte:
- Spoon the thickened apple purée into the bread-lined tin, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the apple purée with another layer of overlapping buttered bread slices. Press gently to compact the layers.
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Bake the Apple Charlotte:
- Place the assembled Charlotte in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the top layer of bread is golden brown and crisp.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the Apple Charlotte from the oven and let it cool in the tin for a few minutes.
- Carefully invert the Charlotte onto a serving plate.
- Serve the Apple Charlotte warm, ideally accompanied by real custard, fresh cream, or clotted cream for a delightful finish.
Tips for Success:
- Use slightly stale bread for better absorption of flavors and to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- Experiment with different types of apples for varying levels of tartness and sweetness.
- Ensure the bread slices overlap well to create a sturdy structure that holds the dessert together when sliced.
Conclusion:
Apple Charlotte is a time-honored dessert that beautifully marries the simplicity of apples with the comforting texture of bread, all enhanced by aromatic cinnamon and zesty lemon. Perfect for festive occasions or as a cozy treat on a chilly evening, this recipe invites you to indulge in a taste of culinary history while creating a memorable dessert experience for yourself and your loved ones.
