Apple tart with meringue

Apple and meringue tart – a classic delight, perfect for any occasion! This recipe combines a soft crust and a flavorful filling of caramelized apples with a light and fluffy meringue, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you prepare it for a party, a family meal, or simply to treat yourself, this tart is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients needed:

For the crust:
- 150 g cottage cheese
- 50 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons oil (choose a neutral oil, such as sunflower oil)
- 4 tablespoons milk (you can use skim or whole milk, according to preference)
- 2 egg yolks
- 250 g flour
- Vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 5-6 apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples, such as Golden or Fuji)
- 100 g sugar
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 50 g butter

For decoration:
- 4 egg whites
- 100 g sugar
- Vanilla essence

Preparing the crust:

1. Start by preparing the crust. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, milk, oil, and 50 g of sugar. Use a fork or a hand mixer to obtain a smooth paste. This will give the tart a soft and moist texture.

2. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the cheese paste, kneading with your hands until the dough no longer sticks to your fingers. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. On a floured surface, roll out a sheet of dough large enough to cover a greased round removable tart pan. Make sure the dough rises up the sides of the pan, forming a border 2-3 cm high. Meanwhile, place the pan in the refrigerator to cool.

Preparing the filling:

4. Peel the apples and cut them into cubes. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and add a touch of freshness.

5. In a pan, caramelize 100 g of sugar over low heat, stirring constantly until it becomes liquid and takes on a golden color. When the caramel is ready, add 50 g of butter and stir vigorously to incorporate.

6. Add the apple cubes to the melted caramel and gently mix with a spatula, ensuring they are well coated in caramel. Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Assembling and baking the tart:

7. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the pan from the refrigerator and sprinkle a little breadcrumbs on the bottom of the tart to absorb excess moisture.

8. Pour the caramelized apple filling into the prepared pan, leveling it evenly. Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden.

Preparing the meringue:

9. While the tart is baking, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add 100 g of sugar and the vanilla essence, continuing to beat until the meringue becomes glossy and forms stiff peaks.

10. After 20 minutes of baking, remove the tart from the oven and use a spatula to spread the meringue on top, creating a lattice or peaks.

11. Return the tart to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the meringue takes on a golden hue and is slightly crispy on the outside.

12. Once baked, allow the tart to cool completely in the pan, then carefully remove the removable ring. Slice and serve with love!

Practical tips:

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform dough.
- You can substitute apples with other fruits, such as pears or peaches, to add a personal touch to your recipe.
- Enhance the flavor by adding some chopped nuts to the apple filling.

Nutritional benefits:

This apple and meringue tart is not only delicious but also healthy! Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health and immune system support. Cottage cheese provides protein and calcium, making it a healthier choice compared to other desserts.

Calories:

A serving of the apple and meringue tart has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation, especially if served with a cup of green tea or fragrant coffee.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use canned apples? Yes, but make sure to drain them well of excess liquid to avoid a too-wet filling.
- How can I store the tart? You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. The meringue will become less crispy, but the tart will remain delicious.
- What other desserts can I pair with the tart? Vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream pair perfectly!

The apple and meringue tart is not just a dessert, but also a memory from childhood, when the joy of cooking for loved ones was a daily occurrence. I hope this recipe brings you the same moments of happiness and satisfaction! Enjoy!