Apple meringue pie

Apple and meringue cake – a delicacy that combines sweet and tangy flavors in a way that delights the senses and brings a touch of nostalgia. This recipe has a beautiful story, rooted in culinary traditions passed down through generations, each adding its personal touch, just as I did, inspired by Luk's recipe but adapting it with sweet and juicy apples.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

- 6 eggs
- 16 tablespoons of sugar (of which 8 for meringue)
- 10 tablespoons of oil
- 10 tablespoons of milk
- 15 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder dissolved in lemon juice
- 1 vanilla essence
- Grated zest from 1 orange
- 5-6 sliced apples, sautéed in 3 tablespoons of sugar
- A handful of raisins

Preparation of the apple and meringue cake:

1. Start by preparing the apples. Peel the apples, slice them, and place them in a pan with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they become soft and slightly caramelized. This will add a delicious flavor to your cake. Once sautéed, let them cool.

2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the remaining 8 tablespoons of sugar until they become a fluffy, light-colored cream. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.

3. Add the oil and milk to the yolk mixture, continuing to mix. Then, incorporate the flour mixed with the baking powder dissolved in lemon juice. This step will help the cake rise, giving it a light texture.

4. Next, add the raisins, grated orange zest, and vanilla essence. These ingredients will give your cake a special flavor, transforming it into a unique culinary experience.

5. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the batter into the tray, leveling the surface evenly. Place the sautéed apple slices on top, distributing them evenly.

6. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 30 minutes. It is important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to keep the heat in.

7. Meanwhile, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites until foamy and gradually add the 8 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This step is crucial, as a well-beaten meringue will provide a crunchy and delicious layer on top of the cake.

8. After the base has been in the oven for 30 minutes, remove the tray and gently spread the meringue over the almost baked base. Return the cake to the oven for another 15 minutes, until the meringue becomes golden and crispy.

9. Finally, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can use a grater to add some chocolate on top for an extra look and flavor.

10. Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature, savoring each bite. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant tea.

Practical tips:

- Use sweet apples, such as Golden Delicious, to achieve a pleasant contrast between sweet and tangy.
- If you wish, you can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or apricots, to create a cake with different flavors.
- The meringue can also be flavored with a little almond essence for a unique taste.
- Before adding the meringue, make sure the base is almost baked; this will help create the ideal texture.

Nutritional benefits:

This apple and meringue cake is a good source of vitamins and minerals due to its apple content. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, thus contributing to a healthy diet. Although the cake contains sugar, when consumed in moderation, it can be a delightful choice for a dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace sugar with a natural sweetener?
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners, but make sure to follow the usage instructions on their packaging, as the sweetness power may vary.

- Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but ensure you add a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to maintain the structure.

Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy this delicious cake together! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, the apple and meringue cake will surely bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it.