Normandy Apple Charlotte
Dive into the delightful flavors of Normandy with this exquisite Normandy Apple Charlotte. A beloved dessert in the region, this charming dish features a rustic blend of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet McIntosh apples encased in crispy, buttery bread. Traditionally served with a luxurious apricot sauce or a rich sweet custard known as Creme aux Oeufs, this recipe has been a family favorite for generations. Legend has it that a delightful Apple Charlotte was the key to my Grandfather winning my Grandmother's affections, making it a truly nostalgic dessert worth savoring. With its beautifully layered appearance and comforting flavors, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether as a family treat or a special celebration.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
apples
6 cups (peeled, cored, and cubed)
white bread
1 loaf (cut into 1/4 inch slices)
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (melted)
sugar
1/4 cup
cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the bread: Cut off the crusts from the loaf of white bread and set aside the crusts for use in breadcrumbs.
2
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of each slice of bread with melted unsalted butter.
3
To form the base, take 3 to 4 slices of bread, cut them into triangular shapes, and layer them at the bottom of a charlotte mold (ideally 6" in diameter and 3" deep). Ensure they overlap slightly, about 1/4".
4
Next, line the sides of the mold with 6 to 8 slices of bread, cut into rectangles of uniform height that overlap a bit as well.
5
Set aside 3 slices of bread for the top layer.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7
In a large skillet, sauté the peeled, cored, and cubed apples in the remaining melted butter over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the apples are just softened.
8
Gently pour the sautéed apples into the bread-lined mold, pressing them down lightly with the back of a spoon to compact.
9
Cover the apples with the reserved slices of buttered bread, trimming them to fit as needed.
10
Place the mold onto a sheet pan to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
11
Once baked, allow the Charlotte to cool in the mold for at least 30 minutes before carefully unmolding onto a serving plate.
12
Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with Creme aux Oeufs or apricot sauce for an added touch of decadence.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Normandy Apple Charlotte?
Normandy Apple Charlotte is a traditional French dessert from the Normandy region featuring tart and sweet apples encased in crispy, buttery bread.
Which apple varieties are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using a blend of tart Granny Smith apples and sweet McIntosh apples for the best flavor balance.
How many apples do I need?
You will need approximately 6 cups of apples that have been peeled, cored, and cubed.
What type of bread is used for the crust?
The recipe calls for one loaf of white bread cut into 1/4 inch slices with the crusts removed.
How do I prepare the bread slices?
Cut off the crusts and lightly coat both sides of each slice with melted unsalted butter using a pastry brush.
What should I do with the leftover bread crusts?
The crusts can be set aside and used later to make breadcrumbs.
What size mold is ideal for this Charlotte?
A charlotte mold that is 6 inches in diameter and 3 inches deep is recommended.
How do I form the base of the dessert?
Cut 3 to 4 slices of bread into triangles and layer them at the bottom of the mold, overlapping by about 1/4 inch.
How do I line the sides of the mold?
Line the sides with 6 to 8 rectangular bread slices of uniform height, ensuring they overlap slightly.
At what temperature should I bake the Charlotte?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How are the apples prepared before cooking?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and cut into cubes.
How long do I sauté the apples?
Sauté the apples in butter for 3 to 4 minutes, then for another 1 to 2 minutes after adding sugar and cinnamon.
What spices are used in the filling?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon to flavor the apple filling.
How much sugar is added to the apples?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of sugar.
How do I fill the mold with the apple mixture?
Gently pour the sautéed apples into the bread-lined mold and press them down lightly with the back of a spoon to compact them.
How is the top layer of the Charlotte finished?
Cover the apples with reserved slices of buttered bread, trimming them as needed to fit the top of the mold.
How long does the Normandy Apple Charlotte bake?
The dessert needs to bake for 45 minutes.
Why is it recommended to use a sheet pan during baking?
Placing the mold on a sheet pan helps catch any butter or juice drips that may occur in the oven.
How long should the Charlotte cool before unmolding?
It should cool in the mold for at least 30 minutes to help it set before being carefully unmolded.
What are the traditional serving suggestions?
It can be served warm or at room temperature, ideally drizzled with Creme aux Oeufs or an apricot sauce.
What is Creme aux Oeufs?
Creme aux Oeufs is a rich, sweet custard traditionally served as an accompaniment to this dessert.
Can I serve this with apricot sauce?
Yes, apricot sauce is a highly recommended and decadent option for serving.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, originally from the author's grandparents.
What region is this dessert from?
This dessert is a beloved specialty from the Normandy region of France.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
With its beautiful layered appearance and rich flavor, it is perfect for both family treats and special celebrations.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter for the bread and for sautéing the apples.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish features a contrast between soft, sautéed apples and a crispy, buttery bread exterior.
Can the bread slices be trimmed?
Yes, bread slices should be trimmed to fit the mold and create uniform heights for the sides and a flush top.
Is Normandy Apple Charlotte considered comfort food?
Yes, it is characterized as a nostalgic and comforting baked seasonal dessert.
How should I unmold the Charlotte?
After cooling for 30 minutes, carefully invert the mold onto a serving plate to release the Charlotte.