Traditional Apple Charlotte

Apple Charlotte is a classic French dessert made with layers of buttery bread or sponge cake and cooked apples. Here's a traditional recipe to make Apple Charlotte:

Ingredients:

• 6-8 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 6-8 slices of white bread, crusts removed (or use sponge cake or ladyfingers)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

   • Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
   • In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice.
   • Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Bread or Cake:

   • Trim the crusts off the bread slices (if using bread).
   • Brush both sides of each bread slice with melted butter.

3. Assemble the Charlotte:

   • Line the bottom and sides of a round baking dish (about 8-9 inches in diameter) with the buttered bread slices, overlapping them slightly to create a crust.
   • Spoon the cooked apples into the bread-lined dish, pressing down gently to compact them.

4. Top Layer:

   • Place another layer of buttered bread slices on top of the apples, pressing down gently.

5. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place the assembled Apple Charlotte in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the Apple Charlotte from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Dust the top with powdered sugar.
   • Serve slices of Apple Charlotte warm, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side if desired.

Tips:

• Variations: You can customize your Apple Charlotte by adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to the cooked apples for extra flavor and texture.
• Storage: Apple Charlotte is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• Presentation: To create a neater presentation, you can invert the Apple Charlotte onto a serving platter before dusting with powdered sugar and slicing.

Enjoy this classic and comforting dessert that's perfect for any occasion!