Apple pie with meringue

Apple meringue tart is a classic dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of caramelized apples with the airy texture of meringue. This recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a true feast for the eyes, making it ideal for any special occasion or simply to pamper the family. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious tart step by step!

Preparation time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 85 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 fresh egg
- 60 g sugar
- 200-250 g flour (it is recommended to use type 000 flour)
- 65 g butter (or margarine)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 50 g butter
- 50 g sugar

For the meringue:
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 150 g sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the egg with the sugar until it completely dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. It is essential to use a mixer on medium speed to achieve a fine texture.
2. Add the melted but cooled butter and mix well to integrate it.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder, then gradually add the flour mixture to the egg and sugar mixture. Knead until you obtain a non-sticky dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little more flour.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. While the dough is cooling, peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly. If you don't have the patience to cut them evenly, don't worry, each slice adds a unique character!
2. Sprinkle the apple slices with cinnamon and 50 g of sugar. Then, in a saucepan, melt 50 g of butter and add the apples. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to become slightly soft and release their juices.

Step 3: Assembling the tart

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you get a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Transfer the dough sheet to a round tart pan with removable sides (24 cm diameter), lined with butter and flour or parchment paper.
3. Bake the dough for 5 minutes in the preheated oven, just enough to set it slightly.
4. After it has cooled a bit, arrange the sautéed apple slices on the bottom of the tart. You can be creative with the remaining dough by forming small grapes, making balls and leaves, which you will place on top of the apples.

Step 4: Preparing the meringue

1. In a clean bowl, beat the egg white with a pinch of salt until it becomes frothy. Gradually add the lemon juice and sugar, continuing to beat until you obtain a firm and shiny meringue.
2. After 10 minutes of baking the tart, remove the pan from the oven and, using a piping bag, form meringue rosettes around the edge of the tart. This will add a decorative touch and a delicious contrast to the apples.

Step 5: Final baking

1. Put the tart back in the oven for 10-15 minutes on low heat until the meringue becomes slightly golden and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to leave it too long, as the meringue can burn quickly.

Serving and variations

The apple meringue tart is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will perfectly contrast the sweetness of the apples and the texture of the meringue. A cup of tea or coffee alongside will complete this culinary experience.

If you want to experiment, you can add other fruits to the filling, such as pears or plums. Also, try replacing cinnamon with nutmeg or cardamom for a surprising taste!

Nutritional benefits

Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, with a low calorie content, making them an ideal ingredient for desserts. Each serving of tart contains approximately 350 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of apples?
Of course! Tart apples are the most suitable for meringue tart, but you can experiment with sweet varieties or even a combination of apples.

- How can I store the tart?
The tart is best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the meringue as crispy as possible.

- Can I make the meringue with yolks?
Meringue is traditionally made with egg whites, but you can make a yolk cream with a separate recipe to use as a topping.

Enjoy this apple meringue tart, and don't forget to share it with your loved ones! Experiment, innovate, and make every dessert an unforgettable story.