Apple tart with meringue

Apple meringue tart – a delicacy that combines the crispy texture of the crust with the sweet-tart flavor of apples and the lightness of meringue. This traditional recipe will bring a touch of nostalgia to every slice, making it perfect for any occasion, from an afternoon treat with friends to an elegant dessert served at a special dinner. Let’s embark on this delicious tart-making adventure together!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

Crust:
- 175-200 g of flour
- 100 g of cornmeal
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 100 g of butter (melted and cooled)
- 4-5 tablespoons of milk

Filling:
- 3 large apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
- 3 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons of sour cream
- 3 tablespoons of flour or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (add more if you prefer a sweeter taste)
- A dash of cinnamon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice

Meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- A dash of lemon juice (to stabilize the meringue)

A brief history
Apple meringue tart is a classic recipe enjoyed worldwide, with deep roots in culinary traditions. It is said that apple trees have been cultivated since ancient times, and the combination of apples with sugar and eggs quickly became a symbol of homemade desserts. Meringue, made from whipped egg whites, is an innovation that adds a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the crust
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the cornmeal and baking powder. This mixture will give the crust a slightly crunchy texture.
2. Add the melted butter (make sure it’s cooled to avoid cooking the egg), the egg, salt, and sugar. Mix well until you obtain a smooth dough.
3. Gradually add the milk while kneading the dough. It should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
4. Form a ball with the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Meanwhile, peel and grate the apples. If you prefer, you can cut the apples into small cubes.
2. In another bowl, mix the apples with the sour cream, flour (or cornstarch), egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla sugar, and lemon juice. This mixture will create a creamy and flavorful filling.

Step 3: Preparing the meringue
1. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
2. Add the cornstarch and a dash of lemon juice, mixing again to obtain a glossy and firm meringue.

Step 4: Assembling the tart
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, then place it in a greased tart pan. Make sure the dough covers the edges of the pan.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and pour in the apple filling. Gently level the surface with a spatula.
4. Put the tart back in the oven for another 10 minutes.
5. Once the filling has set slightly, remove the tart from the oven and spread the meringue evenly on top.
6. Bake the tart for another 20 minutes, leaving the oven door slightly ajar (you can use a wooden spoon to keep it open). This trick helps the meringue brown evenly and prevents it from collapsing.

Step 5: Serving
1. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. It’s delicious served cold, drizzled with a bit of lemon juice for a flavor contrast.
2. You can add a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an even more decadent dessert.

Practical tips
- Apples: Choose tart apples to balance the sweetness of the meringue. Apples retain their texture and flavor better when baked, so use them fresh.
- Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. If you like a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the sugar in the filling.
- Meringue: It’s essential that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as fat will prevent the meringue from whipping properly. Ensure your bowl and utensils are completely clean.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for added texture. You can also replace some of the apples with pears for a different flavor.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This apple meringue tart offers a combination of carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, protein from the eggs, and healthy fats from the butter. A serving of tart has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and fat used. Apples add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dessert not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthier choice.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or apricots. Each fruit will provide a unique flavor!

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart keeps well in the refrigerator covered, but it’s best consumed within the first 2-3 days.

3. Can I freeze the tart?
While the tart can be frozen, the meringue may not retain its texture. It’s recommended to make it fresh for the best results.

I hope this apple meringue tart recipe inspires you to put your imagination and culinary skills to the test. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy every slice! Bon appétit!