Apple cake with pudding and meringue

Apple Cake with Pudding and Meringue

This apple cake with pudding and meringue is a delicacy that perfectly combines three flavors: the tartness of the apples, the bitterness of the chocolate pudding, and the sweetness of the meringue. It is a refreshing dessert, ideal for warm summer days or for those moments when you want to indulge in something special. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this delicious cake, providing you with useful tips and details about each ingredient.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the apple base:
- 2 kg sour apples
- 10 tablespoons semolina
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 package of butter (approximately 60 g)

For the pudding:
- 1.5 L milk
- 2 packets of chocolate pudding (or any other preferred flavor)
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 package of butter (approximately 170 g)
- a pinch of salt

For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons sugar (or less, to taste)
- a pinch of salt
- a few drops of lemon juice

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the apple base
Start by washing, peeling, and coring the apples. It is ideal to choose sweet-sour apples that bring a perfect balance of flavors. Remove the core and seeds and grate the apples on a large grater.

In a pot, add the 4 tablespoons of sugar and place it over medium heat. Let the sugar caramelize a little, being careful not to let it melt completely. When the sugar starts to turn golden, add the grated apples. Stir occasionally, and after about 10 minutes, when the apples have softened and released their juice, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool.

After the apples have cooled, add the semolina and cinnamon. This mixture will form the base of the cake, which will set nicely in the oven.

Step 2: Baking the base
Grease a baking tray with 1/4 package of butter and pour the apple mixture, leveling it evenly. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the base for 15 minutes or until the edges start to bubble slightly. The base will be a bit moist, but don’t worry, it will set perfectly during baking.

Step 3: Preparing the pudding
In a bowl, mix the two packets of pudding with the flour and cocoa and the egg yolks. Dilute the mixture with a little cold milk. Heat the rest of the milk in a pot. When the milk is about to boil, add the pudding mixture and stir continuously with a whisk or a silicone spatula to avoid lumps. Add the sugar and a pinch of salt.

Once the pudding has started to boil (about 2-3 bubbles), remove it from the heat and add the butter. Mix well until the butter is completely melted.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
Pour the hot pudding over the apple base, making sure it spreads evenly. Put the tray back in the oven for another 10 minutes so that the pudding sets slightly.

Step 5: Preparing the meringue
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and a few drops of lemon juice until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.

When the pudding is ready, remove the tray from the oven and spread the meringue on top, smoothing it out with a spatula or a spoon. Put the cake back in the oven for another 10 minutes until the meringue becomes slightly golden and firm.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
Once the cake is ready, let it cool completely in the tray. It is important to cut it cold to get well-defined portions.

Serving suggestion
This apple cake with pudding and meringue is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. A cup of tea or coffee will also perfectly complement this delicacy.

Possible variations
This recipe is extremely versatile. You can experiment with other types of fruit, such as peaches or plums, or use a pudding with vanilla or caramel flavor to diversify the taste. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the meringue, adjusting it to your preferences.

Calories and nutritional benefits
The cake contains healthy ingredients such as apples, which are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Although it is a dessert, moderate consumption can be part of a balanced diet. Each serving has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the portion served and the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can use any type of fruit you prefer, but make sure they are well-ripened and not too watery.

2. How can I make the meringue firmer?
For a firmer meringue, ensure that the bowl and utensils used are completely clean and dry. Using a larger amount of sugar will also help achieve a more stable texture.

3. Is chocolate pudding necessary?
No, you can experiment with other pudding flavors, such as vanilla or caramel, depending on your preferences.

4. How long does the cake last?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent the meringue from drying out.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or rice flour.

This apple cake with pudding and meringue is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring friends and family together for unforgettable moments. I encourage you to try it and enjoy its combination of flavors and textures!