When it comes to desserts, the versatile apple takes the spotlight with its crispy sweetness and tender texture, making it a star ingredient in treats. From the orchards of Kashmir to the bustling streets of New York, this fruit has captivated taste buds worldwide. Whether baked, stewed or enjoyed raw apples have an ability to transform themselves, making them the perfect heroes in our dessert stories.
1. Baked Apple Crisp
Our adventure commences with the timeless Baked Apple Crisp—a dish that skillfully combines the allure of tender and spiced apples with a crumbly and buttery topping. The enchanting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the air as it bakes.
Ingredients:
- Peeled and sliced apples, 4 medium
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
- Brown sugar: 75 grams
- Oats: 100 grams
- Flour: 50 grams
- Butter (or vegan alternative): 60 grams
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
- Toss the apples, with cinnamon and nutmeg before placing them in a baking dish.
- Combine sugar, oats and flour then use your fingers to mix in the butter until it forms a texture.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the apples. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular oats and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
2. Apple Sorbe
Now, let’s explore the world of cold desserts, with an Apple Sorbet that will refresh your palate and leave you feeling light as a feather.
Ingredients:
- Fresh pressed apple juice: 500 ml
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 50 g
Instructions:
- Heat the apple juice and sugar together until the sugar completely dissolves. Let it cool down completely.
- Add lemon juice to the mixture. Freeze it using an ice cream maker.
For those following a vegan diet, ensure that the sugar used is suitable for vegans.
3. Apple Jalebi
To add a twist to our journey, let's indulge in some Apple Jalebi – thinly sliced apples dipped in a fragrant batter, deep fried until golden brown and then soaked in syrup infused with saffron.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced apples: 2
- 100 grams of plain flour
- 2 tablespoons of yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
- A pinch of saffron and cardamom powder
- 150 grams of sugar
- 200 ml of water
- Oil, for frying
Method:
- Create a batter by combining flour, yogurt and water.
- Heat a mixture of sugar and water to create a syrup, then add saffron and cardamom.
- Dip the apple slices into the batter and deep fry them until they turn golden.
- Let the fried apples soak in the syrup for a few minutes before serving.
4. Apple and Almond Tart
Our fourth star is the Apple and Almond Tart – a dish that exudes elegance and sophistication ideal for those occasions when you desire something more intricate.
Ingredients:
- One sheet of shortcrust pastry
- Thinly sliced Apples: 3
- 50 grams of ground almonds
- 75 grams of sugar
- 50 grams of butter (or vegan alternative)
- One egg (or flax egg)
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a tin with pastry. Prick it with a fork and bake it empty, for ten minutes.
- Combine almonds, sugar and butter together and then spread the mixture over the pastry.
- Place the apple slices on top of the pastry. Bake for 20 minutes.
- To give it a finish, brush some apricot jam over the apple slices.
For those who prefer a vegan option, you can replace the egg with a flax egg.
5. Apple and Cinnamon Muffins
If you're looking for something delightful, look no further than these Apple and Cinnamon Muffins. They are incredibly easy to make and will surely satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients:
- 200 g of flour
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 2 peeled and chopped apples
- 100 g of sugar
- 125 ml of milk (or a plant-based alternative)
- 60 ml of vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour baking powder, cinnamon and sugar.
- Add milk (or plant-based alternative), oil and chopped apples into the mixture. Gently mix everything together.
- Spoon the batter into muffin cases. Bake for 20 minutes.
For a vegan twist on this recipe, opt for plant-based milk instead.
Apples have the ability to adapt to your cravings and satisfy your dessert desires whether you're in the mood for a baked treat, a refreshing sorbet, the delightful flavors of Indian cuisine, an elegant tart or just a simple muffin. They truly shine as the stars, in the world of desserts.