Pie under the tart

Upside-Down Pie - A Surprising Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

If you're looking for a quick and captivating dessert, the upside-down pie is the perfect choice. This ingenious recipe combines a crunchy base of cookies and nuts with a delicious filling of sautéed apples, offering a unique tasting experience. With a final touch of fluffy cream and fresh fruits, this dessert is ideal for sharing with loved ones.

A Bit of History

This type of pie has deep roots in culinary traditions, based on combinations of dough and various fillings that can range from sweet fruits to delicate creams. Inspired by classic pies, our recipe adds a modern twist by using cookies and nuts, transforming it into a tart that will surprise everyone.

Your Ingredients Are Key

To create this upside-down pie, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 cup grated apples (about 2-3 apples)
- 1 cup flour
- Nutmeat from 4 walnuts (preferably Romanian walnuts for a richer flavor)
- 5 vanilla cookies (or cocoa cookies for a richer note)
- 80 g butter (at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 kiwi (for an extra touch of freshness)
- A few cherries (you can also use sour cherries if you prefer)
- 1 egg (to bind the dough)
- 1 packet of gelatin (for a fluffy texture)

Helpful Tips for Ingredients:

- If you don't have vanilla cookies, you can use any type of cookies you have on hand. Cocoa cookies add an interesting flavor.
- Walnuts can be replaced with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
- Make sure the apples are well-cooked to achieve a delicious and flavorful filling.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, crush the walnut meat and cookies until you achieve a fine consistency. Add the flour, one egg yolk, sugar, and softened butter. Mix well until you obtain a smooth dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a crunchy base.

2. Sautéing the apples: In a skillet, add a teaspoon of butter and a tablespoon of sugar. Once the butter has melted, add the grated apples and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft. This process will enhance the flavors of the apples.

3. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). It’s important to have the oven well-heated for even baking.

4. Forming the tarts: After the dough has chilled, divide it into 6 balls. Start pressing each ball into the mini-tart molds. Make sure the dough is evenly distributed across the bottom and sides of the molds. Bake them for 10 minutes until they are slightly golden.

5. Adding the apples: Remove the tarts from the oven and fill each mold with the sautéed apples. Ensure the apples are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every bite.

6. Preparing the fluffy cream: In a small bowl, mix the packet of gelatin with the juice from the grated apples. Whip the egg white until it forms stiff peaks, then gradually fold it into the gelatin mixture. Gently mix until you achieve an airy cream.

7. Finalizing the tarts: Spoon the fluffy cream over the apples, sprinkling bits of kiwi and cherries here and there. This detail not only adds a splash of color but also an explosion of flavors!

8. Final baking: Return the tarts to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cream sets and takes on a light golden hue.

9. Serving: Allow the tarts to cool slightly before removing them from the molds. You can serve the dessert plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a raspberry syrup that will add a note of freshness. Don’t forget, the most important part is to share them with someone special!

Nutritional Benefits

This upside-down pie is not only delicious but also nutritious. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while walnuts add healthy fats and protein. The cookies, although sweet, provide a carbohydrate boost to keep you energized throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits for the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries to vary the flavors.

2. How can I make this dessert vegan?
You can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a mixture of flaxseeds and water.

3. What drinks pair well with this dessert?
A fruit tea or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement the flavors of this dessert.

Possible Variations

- Replace the nuts with sunflower seeds for an allergen-free option.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the sautéed apples for a more complex flavor.

This upside-down pie is more than just a simple dessert; it’s an experience that brings together flavors and textures, perfected with love and passion. So put on your apron and enjoy every step of this recipe!