Crumbly apple cake with custard cream
This crumbly cake is a kind of "cousin" to a sweet tart. The ingredients are more or less the same, but it is more robust and requires less precision in the making. If you don't feel too confident making desserts, this is your kind of cake because the pastry doesn't require any great mastery! We decided to make this crumbly cake with pastry cream and apple because we wanted simple, homemade flavors, but of course feel free to use fruit of your choice!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Prepare the shortcrust pastry by quickly mixing together the flour, sugar, butter, egg + an extra egg yolk, and baking powder. Make sure you end up with a crumbly mix instead of the usual ball. Set aside. Make the custard cream by heating the milk with the eggs and sugar and then thickening by adding flour, stirring all the time. Add the lemon zest to make the custard more fragrant. Cover with cling film and leave to cool. Peel the apples and cut them into small cubes. Sprinkle with lemon juice so that they don't go brown and add a sprinkling of cinnamon to lend aroma. Line a baking tin with baking parchment. Take two-thirds of the pastry dough and, with your fingers, line the base of the baking tin. Add a layer of pastry custard, leaving 1cm free around the edge. Cover with the diced apple, evenly arranged. Finish by crumbling the remaining pastry over the surface. Cook for half an hour at 180°C, then allow to cool, dust with the icing sugar and serve.
Step by step
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Cut up the apple
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Line the base of a baking tin with the shortcrust pastry dough
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Spread over a layer of pastry cream
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Add the apple
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Finish with some shortcrust pastry crumbs
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Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes
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Serve and enjoy!
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Additional information
Crumble Cake with Cream and Apples with Cinnamon
One of the tastiest variations of the crumble cake with cream and apples is definitely the addition of cinnamon. This spice, with its enveloping aroma and characteristic flavor, pairs perfectly with apples, enhancing their sweet taste. To prepare this variation, simply add a pinch of cinnamon to the custard and mix it well before pouring it over the crumb base. Additionally, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on the surface of the cake before baking it, for an even more intense aromatic effect. The crumble cake with cream and apples with cinnamon is ideal for an autumn snack or to conclude a meal in a sweet and fragrant way. With this variation, every bite becomes a journey through the scents of the season, bringing to the table a dessert that tastes of home and tradition.
Crumble Cake with Cream and Apples from Trentino
The crumble cake with cream and apples from Trentino is a typical dessert from the Trentino Alto Adige region, where the pastry tradition is rich in authentic flavors. This regional variation uses local apples, such as golden apples or renette, which are particularly sweet and juicy. Furthermore, to make the preparation even richer, you can enhance the custard with a touch of Trentino grappa, giving the dessert a unique alcoholic and aromatic note. The crumble cake is then baked until it achieves a golden and crunchy crust, which contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the cream and apples. This dessert is perfect for being served on special occasions or during holidays, bringing a taste of Trentino tradition to the table.
Crumble Cake with Cream and Apples Light without Butter
For those who wish to enjoy the crumble cake with cream and apples in a lighter version, it can be made without butter, replacing it with Greek yogurt or seed oil. This light variation does not compromise the flavor but allows for a reduction in calories and saturated fats. Additionally, you can opt for brown sugar or natural sweeteners to make the preparation even healthier. The custard can be made with semi-skimmed milk and eggs, maintaining its creaminess and enveloping flavor. Apples can also be sweetened with a bit of agave syrup, for those who prefer a dessert without refined sugars. The light crumble cake with cream and apples is ideal for those following a controlled diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a homemade dessert.
Crumble Cake with Cream and Apples: Benefits of Apples and Calories
Apples, the main ingredient of the crumble cake with cream and apples, are fruits rich in health benefits. They contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are particularly appreciated for their antioxidant properties. Apples are known to aid digestion, help maintain weight control, and support heart health. Additionally, they are an excellent source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system. A serving of crumble cake with cream and apples (about 100 grams) can contain approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. However, with lighter variations, it is possible to reduce the caloric content without compromising taste. Choosing quality apples and fresh ingredients is essential to ensure a dessert that is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Can the crumble cake with cream and apples be frozen?
The crumble cake with cream and apples freezes well, making it a practical solution for those who want to prepare desserts in advance. To freeze it properly, it is advisable to let it cool completely after baking and then wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, you avoid frost formation and preserve the flavors. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you wish to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for a couple of hours. It is important to note that the consistency of the cream may slightly change after freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious. This practicality makes the crumble cake with cream and apples an ideal choice for special occasions or simply to have a dessert always on hand.