In an age of elaborate, multi-layered cakes and experimental flavor combinations, there's something incredibly comforting about revisiting a truly old-fashioned dessert. These are the recipes that stood the test of time, passed down through generations, and evoke a sense of nostalgia with every bite. Today, we're diving into a dessert that's simple, elegant, and utterly delightful: Apple Charlotte.
Apple
Charlotte is a quintessential example of a dessert that celebrates humble
ingredients and straightforward techniques. It's essentially a warm apple
pudding encased in buttered bread, baked until golden brown and fragrant. Think
of it as a refined, slightly more elegant cousin to apple crisp or pie, without
the fuss of a pastry crust. It’s perfect for a cozy evening, a holiday
gathering, or whenever you crave a taste of history.
Why
Apple Charlotte?
This
dessert is fantastic because it's a testament to making something extraordinary
from ordinary ingredients. The crisp, buttered bread transforms into a delicate
crust, while the spiced apples become meltingly tender. It's rustic yet
refined, and the aroma alone will transport you straight to grandma's kitchen!
Classic
Apple Charlotte Recipe
Yields:
6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45-55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8-10 slices
good quality white bread (sturdy sandwich bread works best), crusts
removed
- 1/2 cup
unsalted butter, melted
- 6-7
medium-sized baking apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or
Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup
granulated sugar (adjust to apple tartness)
- 1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
- Pinch of
ground cloves (optional)
- 2
tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup
apple juice or water
- Optional:
vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or crème anglaise for serving
Equipment:
- 9-inch
oven-safe dish (a soufflé dish or straight-sided baking dish works well)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the
Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of each bread slice
generously with melted butter. If desired, cut a few slices into decorative
shapes (like circles or stars) for the top.
2. Line the Dish:
Line the bottom of your baking dish with a single layer of buttered bread
slices. Stand the remaining bread slices vertically around the sides of the
dish, overlapping slightly to create a continuous barrier. If needed, trim
slices to fit. You want the bread to fully encase the filling.
3. Prepare the Apple
Filling: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, granulated sugar,
cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the
apples evenly.
4. Cook the Apples
(Optional, but recommended for tenderness): In a large saucepan, combine the
apple mixture with the 1/4 cup apple juice or water. Cook over medium heat for
5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften slightly
but still hold their shape. This step helps ensure the apples are perfectly
tender when baked.
5. Assemble the
Charlotte: Spoon the warm apple filling into the bread-lined dish, pressing it
down gently.
6. Top the
Charlotte: Place any remaining buttered bread slices (or your decorative
shapes) on top of the apple filling, completely covering it. If you have any
melted butter left, brush it over the top layer of bread.
7. Bake: Place the
dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 45-55
minutes, or until the bread crust is golden brown and crisp, and the apples are
very tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the Apple Charlotte cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the
filling to set slightly. You can carefully invert it onto a serving plate, or
simply serve it directly from the baking dish. Serve warm with a dollop of
vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of crème anglaise.
A
Taste of Yesteryear:
This
Apple Charlotte isn't just a dessert; it's an experience. It's a reminder of
the timeless appeal of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something
truly special. So, gather your apples, butter your bread, and bake up a piece
of history. Your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you!
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