Dew drop

Dew Drop Cake – A Sweet Delicacy with Apples and Meringue

If you're looking for a quick dessert that brings a touch of joy to every meal, the "Dew Drop Cake" is sure to win you over! This cake, with its light texture and apple flavor enhanced by airy meringue, gets its name from the syrup droplets that form on the meringue's surface after cooling. Over time, it has become a favorite among children, especially in households where picky eaters are common. Even my picky eater, Matei, falls in love with it every time I make it!

Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 1 kg apples (choose sweet, aromatic apples for a more intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (or more, depending on the sweetness of the apples)
- 50 g butter (for a rich, creamy taste)

*For the cream:*
- 1 L milk (whole milk will give a creamier texture)
- 2 packets vanilla pudding (or a natural pudding mix)
- 2 eggs (the yolks will add richness to the flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjustable to taste)

*For the meringue:*
- 2 egg whites (ensure they contain no traces of yolk for perfect meringue)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (fine sugar will help achieve a good meringue)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the apples
1. Start by preparing the baking dish. Grease a 40/40 cm dish with butter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
2. Peel the apples and slice them thinly. These will be the base of the cake and will add natural sweetness.
3. Place the apple slices in the dish and sprinkle the 4 tablespoons of sugar on top. This will help the apples caramelize and soften during baking.

Step 2: Baking the apples
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 160 degrees for a fan oven).
2. Bake the apples for 30 minutes, until they become tender and start to brown slightly. This step is essential for achieving a delicious texture.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
1. Meanwhile, let's prepare the cream. In a bowl, whisk the two egg yolks with the 2 tablespoons of sugar until they become a creamy, pale mixture.
2. Dissolve the pudding powder in a cup of cold milk, mixing well to avoid lumps.
3. Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan, then pour it over the diluted pudding mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Place the saucepan on the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until the cream thickens. Don’t worry if small bubbles appear – it’s a sign that the cream is ready!

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. After the 30 minutes of baking the apples, remove the dish from the oven and pour the hot cream over the baked apples, smoothing it out with a spatula.
2. Put the dish back in the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the cream to set and meld with the apples.

Step 5: Preparing the meringue
1. In a clean bowl, beat the 2 egg whites with a mixer until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the 2 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until the meringue becomes glossy and firm.
2. After the 10 minutes of baking, remove the dish from the oven and spread the meringue over the cream, smoothing it out evenly.
3. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the meringue turns golden and crispy.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
1. Once the cake is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
2. Ideally, you should refrigerate it for an hour before cutting. This will allow the flavors to meld perfectly and ensure a better texture.
3. When you’re ready to serve, cut it into squares and enjoy it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Helpful tips:
- If you want to add an extra flavor boost, try sprinkling a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg over the apples before baking.
- Use chocolate meringue for a richer taste and a unique aesthetic for the cake.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh!

Nutritional information (per estimated serving):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g

The "Dew Drop Cake" is not just a dessert; it's also a sweet memory of childhood and moments spent with family. Whether you enjoy it at a festive meal or just on the weekend, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process!