Apple pie with vanilla cream filling

Apple pie with vanilla cream filling: a delight that combines the flavors of autumn with the sweetness of cherries! This recipe is perfect for making the most of the sweet and aromatic apples you have on hand!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours (including cooling)
Servings: 10-12

A short story
Every autumn, various apple desserts grace tables around the world, each with its own story and tradition. Apple pie with vanilla cream filling is a perfect example of a recipe that blends nostalgia with innovation. It’s a wonderful choice for cool days when the aroma of baked apples fills our homes with warmth and love.

Ingredients
For the sponge cake (30x20 cm tray):
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons oil
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla (one pod or 1 teaspoon of extract)

For the apple filling:
- 1 kg apples (peeled and cored)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Vanilla (one pod or 1 teaspoon of extract)
- Cinnamon (optional, to taste)

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Juice of one lemon

For the vanilla cream:
- 400 ml whipped cream
- 1 packet vanilla-flavored Ole cream
- 250 g mascarpone
- Powdered sugar (optional, to taste)

For the cherry jelly:
- 300 ml cherry syrup
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For decoration:
- Grated chocolate (optional)

Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the apple filling
1. Cleaning and cutting the apples: Start by peeling and cutting the apples into equal-sized cubes. This will help them cook evenly.
2. Cooking the apples: In a saucepan, add the apple cubes, the 2 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften. You will notice they will release a delicious syrup.
3. Cooling the filling: When the apples are soft but not turned into puree, turn off the heat and let the filling cool.

Step 2: Preparing the syrup
1. Boiling the syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Boil on low heat until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 3: Preparing the sponge cake
1. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks.
2. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks.
3. Combining the ingredients: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil and vanilla. Gradually add the sugar, stirring continuously. Once the mixture is homogeneous, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites and sifted flour, mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air.
4. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared tray lined with baking paper and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s cooked through.

Step 4: Preparing the vanilla cream
1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whipped cream, Ole cream, and mascarpone. Mix well until you get a fluffy cream. If you want a sweeter cream, you can add powdered sugar to taste.

Step 5: Preparing the cherry jelly
1. Dissolving the cornstarch: Dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold water. Then, add the cherry syrup and boil on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

Step 6: Assembling the cake
1. Cutting the sponge: Once the sponge has cooled, cut it in half.
2. Creating the holes: From the top of the sponge, cut out circles using a glass to create space for the jelly.
3. Assembling the cake: Place the uncut sponge on a platter. Put the apple filling on top, followed by a generous layer of vanilla cream.
4. Adding the top layer: Place the cut sponge on top, then lightly soak it. Add another layer of vanilla cream and fill the holes with cherry jelly.
5. Decorating: Grate chocolate on top for an elegant look and delicious taste!

Step 7: Cooling
1. Refrigerating: Leave the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours (the idea is for the cream to set and the flavors to blend).

Useful tips
- Adjusting sweetness: Depending on the acidity of the apples, adjust the amount of sugar in the filling.
- Gluten-free option: You can use gluten-free flour to adapt the recipe.
- Enhancing flavors: You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for an interesting texture.
- Serving: It’s delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a contrast of flavors.

Nutritional benefits
Apples are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, especially vitamin C. Additionally, the vanilla cream adds a portion of protein and calcium due to the mascarpone and whipped cream. This cake is a perfect balance between the sweetness of the apples and the creaminess of the vanilla.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, this recipe can be adapted with other seasonal fruits such as peaches or pears.
2. How long can the cake be stored? Stored in the refrigerator, the cake stays fresh for 3-4 days.
3. What drinks pair well with this cake? A fruit tea or a semi-dry white wine would perfectly complement the flavors of the cake.

I am sure this apple pie with vanilla cream filling will quickly become a favorite in your family! Enjoy!