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Desserts

Apple Charlotte

⏱ 20 min🍳 45 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

This recipe for apple charlotte is a classic French dessert. The name seems to derive from that of a headdress in vogue in the late eighteenth century, the ‘charlotte’. It is normal to make a charlotte with apples, but pears and other types of fruit are also possible. Remember to serve it hot and, if possible, to accompany it with a zabaglione cream. This dessert is perfect for rounding off a delicious dinner or lunch party, or as a lovely breakfast, and above as scrumptious snack, to be eaten with a nice cup of tea or coffee. It is much loved by both adults and children. The appearance of this dessert makes it look very sophisticated but the preparation is quite simple: just follow our directions in detail, accompanied by the picture gallery that shows you step-by-step how our chef went about it, and you will have the perfect charlotte.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
52g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
45 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Peel 4 apples, remove the cores and cut into thin slices. Place the apples in a saucepan with two tablespoons of sugar. Add half glass of water and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon so that it forms a sauce (add, if it tends to dry out too much, add another ladle or two of warm water). In another pan, add the egg yolks with the remaining sugar, stir and add the flour and the milk a little at a time. Cook this cream filling in a bain marie until the mixture begins to simmer. Continue cooking for a few minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool. Grease a charlotte mould, dip the sponge fingers very quickly in the rum and line the bottom and sides of the mould. Then pour half the cooked apples into the mould, then a layer of the cooled cream, and finally repeat with another layer of apple sauce to fill the mould. Cover the surface with a few more sponge fingers soaked in rum. Put in the oven on a rather high heat and cook for 45 minutes. When cooked, leave to cool in the mould and then turn out the charlotte onto a serving dish. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.

Tips
You can make a charlotte with many different types of fruit - for example, apples, strawberries and pears - but also with jam or creamed chocolate, depending on your taste. The dessert will keep, under a glass bell or in cake tin, for a couple of days at most.
Trivia
This dessert dates back to the 1700s, and derives its name from Queen Charlotte, wife of George III: it seems likely that apple charlotte was prepared for the first time in honour of the sovereign. The shape of the charlotte also recalls the name given to the rippled head-dresses used by French nobles.

Step by step

Cut the apples
Cut the apples
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Apple Charlotte with Dry Cookies

One of the most delicious variations of Apple Charlotte is certainly the one with dry cookies. In this preparation, the cookies are crumbled and used as a base for the charlotte, creating a crunchy and fragrant layer that perfectly complements the softness of the cooked apples. To make it, simply mix the crumbled cookies with a bit of melted butter, forming a compact base to place at the bottom of the mold. Next, continue with the preparation of the apples, following the traditional recipe. This combination of textures makes the dish even more inviting and suitable for special occasions, such as birthday parties or family lunches.

Trentino Apple Charlotte

The Trentino Apple Charlotte is a variation that celebrates the typical flavors of Trentino Alto Adige, a region famous for its juicy and sweet apples. In this version, you can add a touch of cinnamon or vanilla to enhance the flavor of the apples, making the dessert even more aromatic. Additionally, it is possible to use local apples, such as those from Val di Non, which give a unique and authentic taste to the preparation. The assembly technique remains the same, but the use of typical ingredients makes this dessert a true homage to Trentino culinary tradition, perfect to serve during holidays or as a dessert after a dinner with friends.

Light Apple Charlotte without Sugar

For those who wish to enjoy Apple Charlotte in a lighter version, it can be prepared without sugar. In this recipe, particularly sweet and ripe apples can be used, thus reducing the need to add sugar. Furthermore, to lighten the dish even more, butter can be replaced with Greek yogurt, maintaining creaminess but with fewer calories. The cookies can also be chosen in the whole grain or sugar-free variant, for a dessert that meets the needs of those following a healthy diet. This version is ideal for those looking for a tasty dessert, but with an eye on their figure, perfect to conclude a meal without guilt.

Benefits of Apples in Apple Charlotte and Approximate Calories

Apples are a main ingredient in Apple Charlotte and offer numerous health benefits. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples help maintain a healthy digestive system and may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, the presence of vitamin C strengthens the immune system and promotes skin health. Regarding calories, a serving of Apple Charlotte contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. By choosing lighter variants, it is possible to further reduce this value, making the dessert not only delicious but also nutritious.

Can Apple Charlotte be Frozen?

A common question is whether Apple Charlotte can be frozen. The answer is yes, it is possible to freeze this dessert, but it is advisable to do so before adding the final cream. It is better to freeze the cookie base with the cooked apples and then, at the time of serving, prepare the cream and assemble everything. This way, the dessert will maintain a better consistency and flavor once thawed. To freeze, make sure to wrap the charlotte well in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. When you decide to consume it, let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving, to ensure an optimal result.