Autumn Apple Delight Charlotte
Savor the warmth and comfort of the Autumn Apple Delight Charlotte, a classic French dessert that perfectly embodies the essence of fall and winter. This delectable dish combines the crisp tartness of thinly sliced apples with sweet and fragrant spices, all encased in a buttery breadcrumb crust. Ideal for serving after a hearty meal, this dessert is not only visually impressive but also a true crowd-pleaser, making it a wonderful addition to any gathering or festive occasion.
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
French breadcrumbs
3 cups (toasted and golden brown)
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
Grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Tart apples
4 cups (thinly sliced)
Apricot jam
1/2 cup (smooth)
Whipping cream
3/4 cup (chilled)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (for whipped cream)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
Rum or Brandy
1 tablespoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the French breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until they are toasted and golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, grated lemon peel, and ground cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
4
Grease a souffle dish or a casserole pan with butter. Spread 1 cup of the toasted breadcrumb mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish.
5
Layer half of the sliced tart apples over the breadcrumbs, then sprinkle half of the sugar mixture on top.
6
Add half of the apricot jam by spooning it evenly over the apples.
7
Repeat the layering process with another cup of breadcrumbs, the remaining apples, the remaining sugar mixture, and the rest of the apricot jam.
8
Finish with the final cup of toasted breadcrumbs on top.
9
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
10
While the Charlotte is baking, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the rum or brandy.
11
Once baked, allow the Apple Charlotte to cool slightly before serving. Plate individual portions and serve with a generous dollop of the rum or brandy-infused whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
41g
Carbs
2g
Protein
15g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Autumn Apple Delight Charlotte?
It is a classic French dessert that combines thinly sliced tart apples with sweet spices, encased in a buttery toasted breadcrumb crust.
How many calories are in a serving of this apple charlotte?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the Autumn Apple Delight Charlotte need to bake?
It should be baked for 35-40 minutes while covered with foil.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of thinly sliced tart apples.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this recipe?
French breadcrumbs are recommended and should be toasted until golden brown.
How do I prepare the breadcrumbs?
Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet over medium heat and stir in the breadcrumbs for 5-7 minutes until toasted.
What spices are used to flavor the apples?
The apples are flavored with a mixture of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel.
What provides the sweetness between the apple layers?
A combination of a sugar mixture and 1/2 cup of smooth apricot jam is layered between the apples.
How is the whipped cream topping prepared?
Beat 3/4 cup of chilled whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Is there any alcohol in this dessert?
The recipe includes an optional tablespoon of rum or brandy to be folded into the whipped cream.
How many layers are in this dessert?
The dessert is built with three layers of breadcrumbs and two layers of an apple and jam mixture.
What size dish should I use for baking?
You can use either a souffle dish or a casserole pan.
What is the total fat content?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 15 grams of sugar per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates?
Each serving contains 41 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe provide any protein?
Yes, there are 2 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use a different type of jam?
While apricot jam is traditional for this Charlotte, you can experiment, though it may change the classic flavor profile.
Should I serve the Charlotte hot or cold?
It is best to allow the Charlotte to cool slightly before serving it warm with the chilled whipped cream.
How do I ensure the apples are cooked through?
The dish is covered with foil during baking to trap steam and ensure the apples become tender.
What seasons is this dessert best for?
It is described as a perfect dessert for the fall and winter seasons.
Is the lemon peel mandatory?
The 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel provides essential fragrance and cuts through the sweetness of the jam.
How much cinnamon should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon, but notes it can be adjusted to taste.
How much whipping cream is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of chilled whipping cream for the topping.
What is the preparation for the butter?
The butter should be melted before being used to toast the breadcrumbs.
Is the rum or brandy necessary?
No, the rum or brandy is optional and can be omitted from the whipped cream if preferred.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the optional spirits.
What type of sugar is used for the apple mixture?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of granulated sugar for the main filling.
Is there any fiber or sodium data?
The nutritional data for fiber and sodium is not specified for this recipe.
What makes this a 'Charlotte' dessert?
It follows the Charlotte style by using a bread-based crust (in this case, buttered crumbs) to enclose a fruit filling.