Apple charlotte a la russe

This is an easy classic cake recipe – classic in that every Russian girl knows how to make this, but it offers a fresh look at another version of apple pie. The crust gets almost meringue-like on top but stays soft and doughy on the inside, making it a perfect winter evening treat!

This may be a Russian version of the charlotte but it retains the simplicity of French home-baking recipes. It’s one of those recipes you can always whip up in an instant.

You’ll need:

• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 small tart apples or 2 large tart apples such as Bramleys or Granny Smiths
• a tad of butter for the pan (this is easiest to make in a springform)
• 1 tsp cinnamon

1. Core and slice the apples – I don’t peel them and it’s fine to slice them into 1/2 inch pieces.

2. Layer apples in bottom of pan, putting them closely together, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

3. Preheat oven to 360F (approx. 180C) In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a hand mixer until foamy. Slowly add in sugar and continue to beat well – the better you mix the dough, the better the crunchy crust will be on top.

4. Even more slowly, add in the flour into the mixture. Mix well and pour over the apples. If you want, sprinkle a little bit more cinnamon on top.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cake is just browning on top and a knife inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.