A Light Apple Cream Dessert You’ll Love
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar
- 10 grams (2 teaspoons) vanilla sugar
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) vegetable oil
- 50 grams (3.5 tablespoons) butter, melted
- 350 grams (about 2.5 cups) all-purpose flour
- 8 grams (2 teaspoons) baking powder
- 400 ml (1.7 cups) milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 10 grams (2 teaspoons) vanilla sugar
- 180 grams (about 3/4 cup) heavy cream (33% fat)
- 1 medium apple
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for apples)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 22-24 cm (9-10 inch) round baking dish or springform pan
- Saucepan
- Electric mixer (for whipping cream)
- Cutting board and knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 100 grams of sugar, and vanilla sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add the vegetable oil, melted butter, flour, and baking powder to the egg mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a nice even base.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, corn starch, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and more vanilla sugar.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Once thick, let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cooled custard mixture until combined.
- Pour the cream mixture over the prepared dough in the baking dish.
- Slice the apple thinly and toss with 1 tablespoon of sugar and a drizzle of lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange the apple slices beautifully on top of the cream layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cream is lightly golden.
- Allow to cool for a bit before serving. Enjoy this delightful dessert warm or chilled!
Pro Tips
- For a golden top, make sure to bake until the cream is just starting to set and take on a light brown color.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pastry dough instead of making your own.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the flavor of the apples and balances the sweetness.
Common Mistakes
- Be careful not to overmix the dough as it can become tough.
- Make sure to whisk the egg mixture continuously when adding the hot milk to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Letting the cream mixture cool too long before adding the whipped cream can make it hard to combine.
Variations
- Substitute the apple with other fruits like pears or peaches for a different flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple topping for extra warmth.
- Try incorporating a handful of nuts or chocolate chips into the cream mixture for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert warm or chilled, dusted with powdered sugar, along with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld together beautifully as it sits.
Reheating Tips
If you prefer it warm, reheat individual portions gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a warm oven until heated through.
Nutrition Estimate
Calories: 290
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 14g
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Cuisine: European
- Course: Dessert
- Calories: 290 per serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert a day ahead?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
What if I can’t find vanilla sugar?
You can substitute it with an equal amount of regular sugar and add a splash of vanilla extract, if desired.
Can I use a different type of cream?
While heavy cream provides the best results, you can use a lighter cream, but the texture will be less rich.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s a one-to-one ratio for best results.
What do I do if the apples are overcooked?
If the apples become too soft during baking, you can add a fresh apple topping after baking to keep that vibrant texture.
This dessert is simply a joy to make and enjoy. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up something special in your kitchen!