Apple pie with meringue

Apple meringue cake is a delicious recipe that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of apples with the light and airy texture of meringue, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. This cake is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to use apples, seasonal fruits that provide important nutritional benefits. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or a party with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the apple filling:
- 2 kg of Ionatan apples (or other tart apples)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (or to taste)

For the dough:
- 5 egg yolks
- 250 g of sugar
- 180 ml of oil
- 125 ml of boiling water
- 15 g of fresh yeast
- Flour as needed (about 8-9 tablespoons)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the meringue:
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons of sugar

Detailed instructions:

1. Preparing the apples:
Start by peeling and coring the apples. Use a large grater to shred them. Then, place them in a saucepan over medium heat, adding the 5 tablespoons of sugar. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the apples to cook until their juice has almost completely evaporated. Finally, add the cinnamon, adjusting the amount to your taste. This flavorful filling will add a delightful taste to your cake.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. Gradually add the oil while continuously mixing. Then, pour in the boiling water, adding the yeast dissolved in a teaspoon of sugar. This step is essential to activate the yeast, which will make the dough fluffier.

Start incorporating the flour gradually until you obtain a flowing mixture, similar to sour cream but thicker. Add the baking powder, extinguished with lemon juice or vinegar, and the lemon zest for extra flavor.

3. Assembling the cake:
Prepare a rectangular baking dish (25x35 cm) greased with a little oil and lined with baking paper. Pour the dough into the dish, spreading it evenly. Then, add the apple filling, ensuring there’s no excess juice, which you can gently squeeze out by hand.

4. Baking the cake:
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C and let the cake bake for about 25 minutes. Check if the dough is baked using a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready for the meringue.

5. Preparing the meringue:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Then, gradually add the 5 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until the meringue becomes glossy and firm. This will add a light and airy texture to the cake.

6. Final baking:
Spread the meringue evenly over the baked apple cake, ensuring it reaches the corners. Place the cake back in the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden.

7. Cooling and serving:
Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it. This will help the meringue layer to stabilize.

Helpful tips:
- Use tart apples to balance the sweetness of the sugar. Ionatan apples are ideal, but you can experiment with other varieties.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try adding some crushed nuts to the meringue for a crunchy taste.
- You can serve the cake with a scoop of ice cream or a caramel sauce for an even more decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and this cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides some health benefits. Flour and sugar contribute to the caloric intake, but in moderate amounts, they can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, any type of apple can be used, but tart ones are the most suitable to balance the sweetness.

2. How can I tell when the cake is done?
Use a toothpick to check the dough; if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

3. How do I store the cake?
You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. It is especially delicious the next day!

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A fruit tea or a sweet white wine pairs perfectly with the apple meringue cake.

The apple meringue cake is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that will remind you of the pleasant moments spent with family. Preparing it will not only delight your taste buds but also bring you closer to your loved ones as you share a piece of this delicious cake. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let your creativity blossom in the kitchen!