Sarlota with apples

Celebrate the beautiful moments in life with a delicious Apple Charlotte! This recipe is not just a dessert, but also a way to reconnect with pleasant memories, bring a smile to the faces of loved ones, and turn a simple meal into a feast of flavors. Over time, Charlotte has been a popular choice in kitchens around the world, appreciated for its combination of textures and flavors, as well as its versatility. Let’s see together how we can prepare it!

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 6 fresh eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 sheets of gelatin
- 6 apples (choose sweet apples, such as Golden)
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 50 g of butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- Juice and zest of one orange
- 20 ml of water

Notes on ingredients:

- The eggs should be at room temperature to achieve a fluffy and airy foam.
- Brown sugar adds a note of caramelization and a deep flavor. You can also experiment with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- The apples can be replaced with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or pears, to add a personal twist to the recipe.
- Gelatin is crucial for achieving a firm yet delicate texture. Make sure to hydrate it well for the best results.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the sponge cake layers:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 5 tablespoons of sugar and 3 tablespoons of cold water. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy foam that doubles in volume (about 5-7 minutes).
- Sift the flour and gradually incorporate it into the yolk mixture, gently mixing with a spatula in vertical movements to preserve the air in the composition.
- Beat the egg whites separately until you obtain a firm foam and carefully fold it into the above mixture, mixing gently.

2. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the mixture into the tray. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
- After baking, let the cake cool completely in the tray.

3. Preparing the apple filling:
- Peel the apples and cut them into cubes. In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the apples along with the brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until softened (about 10 minutes).
- Puree the apples with a blender until smooth. Add the orange juice and zest, as well as the gelatin sheets hydrated in cold water (about 10 minutes).
- Mix the composition well until the gelatin melts.

4. Assembling the Charlotte:
- Prepare the syrup by mixing the honey with 20 ml of hot water, cinnamon, and ginger. Set aside to cool.
- The cooled cake is cut into equal slices. Line a cake pan with plastic wrap and cover the bottom and sides with the sponge slices, soaking them with the honey syrup.
- Add a layer of apple puree, followed by another layer of soaked sponge, then the remaining apples, and finish with the sponge slices.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

5. Serving:
- The next day, unmold the Charlotte onto a platter and decorate with fresh fruit topping, melted chocolate, or even a bit of cream.

Helpful tips:
- For a more intense flavor, try adding a bit of rum or amaretto to the apple puree.
- The Charlotte can be served with a vanilla sauce or vanilla ice cream for a fabulous contrast of temperatures and flavors.
- If you want a healthier option, replace the sugar with maple syrup or natural sweeteners.

Nutritional benefits:
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, aiding digestion and promoting heart health. Eggs provide high-quality protein, while gelatin can contribute to joint health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Answer: Absolutely! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even berries to create a Charlotte with different flavors.

2. How can I make the Charlotte less sweet?
Answer: Reduce the amount of sugar in the sponge and use more acidic apples for a pleasant contrast.

3. How long can the Charlotte be kept in the fridge?
Answer: The Charlotte keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

Now that you have gone through this Apple Charlotte recipe, don’t hesitate to try it and share the result with your loved ones! This is not just a recipe but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories around the table. Enjoy!