Apple cake with meringue (or with sweet cheese)

Apple meringue cake is a dessert that combines the flavor of fresh fruit with the light and fluffy texture of meringue. This classic recipe not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia, evoking childhood memories when the scent of baked apples and cinnamon filled the house. I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious cake, providing useful tips and information about the ingredients.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5-6 egg yolks (about 125-150 g)
- 200 g butter, at room temperature
- 100 g sugar
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 cup milk (250 ml)
- 50 g semolina
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the filling:
- 1-1.5 kg apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: If you want to use sweet cottage cheese, you will need 1 kg cheese, sugar to taste, 2 whole eggs, and a packet of vanilla sugar.

For the meringue:
- 6 (or more) egg whites (about 180-200 g)
- 199 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and butter until you achieve a creamy and smooth mixture. This will give the cake a rich texture and delicious flavor.

2. Adding the dry ingredients:
Add the sifted flour, baking powder, semolina, and lemon zest, alternating with the milk, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid lumps. It is important not to overmix the batter; just mix enough to combine.

3. Baking the base:
Line a baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with a little butter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden.

4. Preparing the apple filling:
Wash the apples well without peeling them, then grate them. Mix them in a bowl with the sugar and cinnamon, letting them sit for a few minutes until they release their juice. After they have sat, squeeze them well to remove excess liquid, then add the semolina and mix.

5. Adding the filling:
After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and evenly sprinkle the apple mixture over the base. Return the pan to the oven, allowing the cake to bake for about 20-25 minutes. The apples will become tender and fragrant.

6. Preparing the meringue:
While the cake is baking, beat the egg whites with a mixer until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar and lemon juice, continuing to beat until the meringue becomes glossy and holds its shape. A well-beaten meringue will add a light and airy texture to the cake.

7. Finishing the cake:
When the cake is almost ready (after about 20-25 minutes of baking), remove the pan from the oven and evenly spread the meringue over the apples. Bake the cake for another 10-15 minutes, until the meringue turns golden and crispy.

8. Cooling and serving:
After baking, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan so that the meringue stabilizes. Then slice and enjoy! It is delicious both warm and cold, and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or caramel sauce.

Practical Tips

- Choose apples based on your preferences: tart apples add a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the meringue.
- If using sweet cheese, add a little sugar and vanilla sugar for a more intense flavor.
- To achieve perfect meringue, ensure there is no trace of yolk in the egg whites and that the bowl and utensils are completely clean.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. It can also be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain its texture.

Nutritional Information

This apple meringue cake contains approximately 350 calories per serving (1/12 of the entire cake). It is a good source of carbohydrates and has a moderate amount of fat due to the butter. The apples provide fiber and vitamins, making it a healthier dessert compared to others that are higher in sugar.

Possible Variations

- Cheese cake: Replace the apple filling with a sweet cheese mixture, adding raisins or dried fruits for extra flavor.
- Colored meringue: Add a few drops of food coloring to the meringue to make it more attractive.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to give the cake a distinct note.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace apples with pears or peaches, adjusting the baking time according to the chosen fruit.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and meringue, adjusting to your taste preferences.

3. Can it be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour, being careful to adjust the liquid amount to achieve a uniform batter.

Enjoy every bite of this apple meringue cake, which will not only pamper your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to less inspired days. Bon appétit!