Apple Charlotte

  • Level: Intermediate
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Total: 2 hr 35 min (includes cooling time)
  • Active: 45 min
Advertisement

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 10 tablespoons, softened

6 pounds mixed tart apples, peeled, cored and chopped 

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice

3/4 cup sugar 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

22 slices thin-slice white bread, crusts removed

Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving 

Directions

Special equipment:
a Charlotte mold or flat-bottom 2-quart ovenproof casserole
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the apples, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Cover and cook until the apples break down and the mixture becomes stiff, about 50 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool while you put together the bread.
  2. Arrange 4 of the bread slices in a square shape on a flat surface. Place the Charlotte mold upside down on the bread and trace the opening with a sharp edge. (Alternatively, use a 2-quart ovenproof casserole dish.) Cut the bread following the traced line and brush both sides with the softened butter. Fit the bread into the bottom of the mold. Cut 11 of the bread slices in half lengthwise. They should be about the same height as the mold. Spread the halved slices with the softened butter and place them against the inside of the mold, overlapping like a fan. Fill the mold with the apple mixture. Cut the remaining 7 slices of bread into triangles, brush with the softened butter and fan the pieces over the top, pressing to fit into the top of the mold.
  3. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow the pan to cool 15 minutes. Run a knife around the inside of the mold to loosen it before unmolding. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream. 

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

ardis1024

This was delicious! I actually had a charlotte mold that my mother had found years ago at a yard sale. I was on the verge of getting rid of it when I found this recipe. Now I plan on using it often! The bread gets toasty and crisp, similar to piecrust, but without the fussing.The apples get soft, like a lumpy applesauce, and taste just like apple pie. We served it with vanilla ice cream.

See All Reviews