Preparation Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4 Complexity: Light
Charlotte, a classic pie, is instantly recognizable even among a thousand similar dishes. Its airy, fragrant sponge cake with a crispy crust and tender baked apples inside is unforgettable, creating a lasting impression of warmth and comfort. One of the best things about charlotte is how easy it is to prepare, often using ingredients you already have at home.
A Brief History of Apple Charlotte
The origins of apple charlotte are often credited to the renowned 19th-century French chef Henri-Antoine Carême, a pioneer of haute cuisine. However, the dessert likely has English roots. The recipe for a pie similar to charlotte first appeared in “The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined” by British author John Mallard, published in 1803. The dish was possibly named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III, who was known for her love of apples.
The original charlotte was made by layering slices of stale bread in a pudding dish, combining them with stewed apples, and baking them together. Over time, this simple yet delightful dessert gained popularity worldwide, with many variations emerging.
Choosing the Best Apples for Charlotte
For the perfect apple charlotte, select firm apple varieties with a slight tartness, such as Champion, Ligold, or Idared. While sweeter apples can be used, they may lose their distinct flavor when paired with the sweet dough. Avoid using soft or mushy apples, as they can turn into a shapeless puree during baking.
Enhancing Your Apple Charlotte
While fluffy sweet dough and apples make a delicious combination, you can elevate the flavor with various spices. Cinnamon pairs beautifully with apples, while a pinch of ground cardamom adds a fresh note. Citrus zest and juice, whether from an orange or lemon, can also bring a unique twist. For those who enjoy experimenting, try adding a touch of ground ginger—just a quarter teaspoon will do.
Exploring Other Fruit Variations
As charlotte has evolved, it’s become a versatile dish that can be made with various fruits. Feel free to experiment with firm pears or peaches. If the fruit is particularly juicy, toss it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to ensure the dough bakes evenly.
Ingredients
- 2-3 firm, sweet-tart apples
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 5 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 20 g butter (for greasing the mold)
- 10 g vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
Classic Apple Charlotte: Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the ApplesStart by preparing the filling. Wash, peel, and core 2-3 apples. Slice them into pieces about 1.5-2 cm in size. If the apple skin is soft and easy to chew, you can leave it on.
Step 2: Prevent BrowningTransfer the apple slices to a bowl and sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons of orange juice to prevent browning. If you don’t have orange juice, use lemon juice, but slightly less to avoid excessive tartness. Add 5 g of vanilla sugar and set the apples aside. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 3: Make the BatterIn a large bowl, crack 5 eggs and add 200 g of sugar, 5 g of vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture with a mixer until it turns pale and doubles in volume.
Step 4: Combine with FlourGently fold in 200 g of sifted flour using a silicone spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter—mix just until the flour is fully incorporated. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking MoldChoose a 26 cm diameter baking mold. You can use any type of dish, but for easy removal, a springform pan works well. Grease the mold with 20 g of butter and dust it lightly with flour, shaking off any excess. If using a springform pan, line the bottom with parchment paper and flour it as well.
Step 6: Assemble the CharlottePour the batter into the prepared mold and smooth it out with a spatula. Arrange the apple pieces evenly on top. They will sink into the batter as it bakes, which is normal.
Step 7: BakeBake the charlotte in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, using the convection setting if available. Once baked, let the charlotte cool in the mold to maintain its shape.
Step 8: ServeIf desired, dust the cooled charlotte with powdered sugar. Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the sugar to prevent it from melting.
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