Apple Charlotte is a classic British dessert that combines layers of buttered bread with a flavorful apple filling. This delightful dish showcases the natural sweetness and tartness of cooking apples, creating a comforting and satisfying dessert. The apples are poached with sugar and butter until they form a thick puree, enhanced with the bright flavors of lemon juice and apricot jam. The bread slices, soaked in melted butter, are used to line the dish and create a crisp and golden brown top. Apple Charlotte is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, served with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
INGREDIENTS:
- 900g/2lb cooking apples
- 100g/4oz caster sugar
- 150g/5oz butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons sieved apricot jam
- 8 slices white bread
PREPARATIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.
- Peel, core, and slice the cooking apples. Place them in a pan with the caster sugar and 25g/1oz of butter. Add 3 tablespoons of water, cover the pan, and poach gently over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid, stir, and increase the heat. Continue cooking until the apples form a thick puree.
- Stir in the lemon juice and apricot jam, and set aside.
- Melt the remaining butter and cut the crusts off the slices of white bread. Cut the bread into fingers, brush with melted butter, and use them to line a 20cm/8in mould or soufflé dish.
- Pour the apple puree into the lined dish and cover the top with more butter-soaked bread.
- Place the dish on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden brown.
- Allow the Apple Charlotte to cool for 10 minutes before sliding a palette knife around the edge and turning it out onto a serving dish.
- Cut into wedges and serve with cream or ice cream.
YIELD: Serves 4–6
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- You can use any variety of cooking apples for this recipe, such as Bramley apples, which have a tart flavor that works well in desserts.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the apples and your personal preference.
- Sieving the apricot jam helps create a smoother texture for the apple filling. If desired, you can omit the sieving step for a more rustic texture.
- Serve the Apple Charlotte warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
- Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- You can also garnish the Apple Charlotte with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
TIPS:
- Make sure to butter the bread slices evenly to create a barrier between the apples and the bread to prevent sogginess.
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread works best for this recipe, as it holds its shape better during baking.
- Experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for variations in flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can bake the Apple Charlotte for a shorter time, or cover it with foil during baking to prevent excessive browning.
- Leftover Apple Charlotte can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Apple Charlotte is a classic British dessert that celebrates the natural flavors of cooking apples. With its layers of buttered bread and flavorful apple filling, this dessert offers a comforting and satisfying treat. The cooking apples are gently poached with sugar and butter until they form a thick and flavorful puree. The addition of lemon juice and apricot jam brightens the apple filling and adds a delightful touch of sweetness. The bread slices, soaked in melted butter, create a crisp and golden brown top when baked.
Serve the Apple Charlotte warm or at room temperature, and indulge in its delightful combination of textures and flavors. Each bite offers the comforting taste of spiced apples and the buttery crunch of the bread. Enhance the experience by serving it with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream, adding a touch of indulgence to this classic dessert. Whether enjoyed as a delightful ending to a meal or as a sweet treat during afternoon tea, Apple Charlotte is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.
