Apple Delight

Apple Delight - A classic, simple, and delicious recipe

In a world full of sophisticated and elaborate desserts, it is sometimes comforting to return to our roots and enjoy simple yet flavorful dishes. The Apple Delight is a recipe that combines the sweet flavors of apples with the crunchy texture of cookies, offering a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones. This quick dessert is perfect for any occasion, and with a few tricks and tips, you will achieve a result worthy of a professional chef.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 kg grated apples (about 4-5 large apples)
- 200 g cookies (choose plain cookies without filling, such as digestive biscuits or petit beurre cookies)
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding (about 100 g)
- 280 g sugar (you can adjust this amount depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 600 ml water
- 150 ml whipped cream for decoration (you can opt for plant-based cream if you want a vegan dessert)
- cinnamon for dusting

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Prepare the apples: Wash the apples well, peel them, and grate them. Make sure you have a good grater to achieve a fine texture. The grated apples will add moisture and flavor to the dish.

2. Cook the mixture: In a large pot, add 500 ml of water and the sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, add the grated apples and let the mixture boil for about 10-15 minutes, until the apples soften and release their juice.

3. Prepare the pudding: In a small bowl, mix the pudding powder with 100 ml of cold water, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is essential for achieving a creamy and smooth pudding.

4. Thicken the mixture: When the apple mixture starts to boil, gradually pour in the dissolved pudding mixture, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon. It will start to thicken quickly, transforming into a delicious composition. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes after adding the pudding to ensure everything is well combined.

5. Assemble the dessert: Prepare a rectangular baking dish or a ceramic dish, covering it with plastic wrap for easy removal of the dessert later. Pour the apple and pudding mixture into the dish and level the surface with a spatula. Place the cookies on top, pressing them gently to integrate into the mixture.

6. Cool: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can place the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge for the remaining time. Cooling is crucial to allow the dessert to set and hold its shape.

7. Serve: Once the dessert is chilled and set, carefully invert it onto a serving platter. You can easily remove the plastic wrap. Cut the dessert into generous slices and decorate with whipped cream, sprinkling a dash of cinnamon on top for added flavor. This final touch will turn the dessert into a true delight.

Practical tips:
- Apples: Choose sweet and fragrant apples, such as Golden Delicious or Fuji, which are ideal for cooking. If you prefer a tangier taste, you can combine different types of apples.
- Cookies: If you want to add a crunchy note, you can chop the cookies into larger pieces or experiment with chocolate cookies.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based cream to make this dessert perfect for a vegan or fasting diet.
- Decoration: You can add crushed nuts or almond flakes on top of the whipped cream for a more sophisticated look and added texture.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy ingredient for desserts. This dessert is also relatively low in calories compared to other cakes, especially if you limit the amount of sugar and choose plant-based cream.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of pudding? Of course! You can experiment with chocolate or caramel pudding to give the dessert a different flavor.
- How can I make the dessert healthier? You can reduce the amount of sugar used and replace the cookies with whole grain or sugar-free options.
- Can this dessert be frozen? Yes, the dessert can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain optimal texture.

This Apple Delight is more than just a simple dessert; it is a way to bring a part of childhood onto the plate, evoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments. You can serve it alongside a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee, turning every meal into a celebration of the senses. All that is left is for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor and share this delicacy with your loved ones!