DESSERTS: CAKES

Salted Caramel “Apple Charlotte”

TESTER’S COMMENTS

This is distinctly, deliciously different, with or without the topping.

–J.S.

 

Charlotte:

 

½	loaf French or firm white bread to yield 4 cups soft bread crumbs
¼	cup (½ stick) butter
½	cup brown sugar
1	tablespoon lemon zest
1	teaspoon ground cinnamon
½	teaspoon ground nutmeg
½	teaspoon finely grated crystallized ginger
4	cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples
1	tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½	cup apricot jam

 

Topping:

 

½	cup whipping cream
2	tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1	tablespoon rum or brandy (optional)
½	cup caramel ice cream topping
	sea salt

 

For Charlotte: Remove crusts from bread and allow slices to dry out. Tear bread into pieces and place in food processor. Pulse until crumbs are pea-size.

 

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and toast crumbs until golden brown.

 

In a bowl, combine brown sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

 

In another bowl, combine apples and lemon juice.

 

Warm jam in microwave (25 to 30 seconds, medium power) to make easier to spread.

 

To assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter sides and bottom of 8-inch casserole or springform baking pan.

 

Spread 1½ cups bread crumbs on bottom of prepared pan. Cover with half of apple slices. Sprinkle with one-third of brown sugar mixture. Spread half of apricot jam on top. (Pastry brush or soft spatula works well.) Repeat with 1½ cups bread crumbs, remaining apples, one-third of brown sugar mixture, and remaining apricot jam. Combine remaining bread crumbs and remaining one-third of brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle on top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned.

 

For topping: In a bowl, whip cream with confectioners’ sugar and brandy (if using), until stiff peaks form.

 

To serve: Cut Charlotte into slices and top each slice with whipped cream, caramel sauce (warmed, if desired), and a pinch of sea salt.

 

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

 

I was raised in a large family. If there was leftover bread or apples, we knew we could count on bread pudding, an apple pie, or Apple Charlotte. I use my mom’s recipe and update it with caramel and apricot jam. I’ve also made it with pears instead of apples, and other jams. The best part of making it now is that I get to eat it all without having to share!

Darlene Buerger, Peoria, Arizona

 

SWEET CHARLOTTE

Apple Charlotte is thought to have been named after the UK’s Queen Charlotte (1744–1818), a patroness of apple growers.