Czech Countess Slices: Apple Meringue Cake

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with similar texture.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Greek yogurt lowers calories while maintaining creaminess.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds sweetness with a unique flavor.

chocolate

🥗Healthier: carob chips

💰Cheaper: cocoa powder

Carob chips are lower in fat and offer a different taste.

Start by making the short crust pastry using a food processor.

Add flour, powdered sugar, and baking powder to the food processor and pulse to combine.

Add cubed chilled butter and pulse until it resembles wet sand.

Add 4 egg yolks and set the egg whites aside for later use in meringue.

Dump the dough onto the countertop and knead it into a smooth dough.

Divide the dough into thirds, wrapping one third to freeze for later use.

Roll out the remaining dough to fit a 9 by 13 cake pan, using parchment paper to assist in transferring it.

Chill the rolled-out dough in the fridge while preparing the apple filling.

Peel and grate 4 large apples, squeezing out excess juice over a colander to prevent sogginess.

Sprinkle the grated apples over the chilled short crust base.

Sprinkle a packet of vanilla sugar and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon over the apples.

In a stand mixer, add the 4 room temperature egg whites and beat on medium-high speed.

Gradually add 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the egg whites as they become frothy.

Beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy (note: creator used powdered sugar initially but recommends granulated for better structure).

Spoon the meringue over the apples and smooth the top surface.

Grate the frozen short crust pastry over the meringue using a box grater.

Bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 35 minutes.

Let the cake cool on a cooling rack to room temperature before slicing.

Watch the cake closely in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens