We invite you to prepare an incredibly delicious pastry – Charlotte Cake on Shortcrust Pastry.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 sticks of butter
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons thick sour cream
For the filling:
- 8-10 tart apples, peeled and sliced into half-moons
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons potato starch
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
For the meringue topping:
- 6 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet of instant sugar-free pudding powder
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Cake:
- Sift the flour, powdered sugar, and baking powder into a large bowl.
- Cut the butter into small pieces, add to the flour, and mix until smooth.
- Add the egg yolks and sour cream, then knead the dough (you can use a food processor).
- Divide the dough into two portions: 1/3 and 2/3.
- Wrap in foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or in the freezer for about an hour.
Filling:
- Place the sliced apples in a saucepan, add water, and simmer under a lid for about 15 minutes without stirring. Add cinnamon and sugar, then gently mix.
- Mix potato starch with lemon juice, add to the apple mixture, and simmer for another 2 minutes. The mixture should be very thick but not overcooked.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking pan (33×23 cm at the base, 36×26 cm at the top) with butter or line it with parchment paper. Grate 2/3 of the dough into the pan.
- Lightly press the dough to make the surface even and bake for about 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Meringue Topping:
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Towards the end, gradually add sugar, then mix in the pudding powder on the lowest mixer speed.
Sprinkle the baked base with breadcrumbs, spread the apple filling evenly, top with the meringue, and grate the remaining 1/3 of the dough over it.
Bake for about 1 hour, until the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar.
Charlotte Cake on Shortcrust Pastry is ready. Enjoy!