French Apple Charlotte: A Classic Recipe + 6 Step-by-Step Photos

A true French charlotte is prepared slightly differently than the traditional recipe. Carefully peeled apples, mixed with airy batter, transform into tender pieces as they heat. When cut, they resemble a cream rather than fruit and literally melt in your mouth.

Nutritional value per serving

142.3 kcal

Proteins: 2.9 g
Fats: 3.5 g
Carbohydrates: 23.1 g

*Nutritional value is calculated per 100g of ingredients

Total time: 1 hour
Time in the kitchen: 20 min
Complexity:

It's easy and straightforward to prepare, but it does require some experience. Not everyone can do it right the first time.
Number of servings: 4

The key feature of the French apple pie is the minimal amount of dough and the abundance of apples. This is key to achieving the delicate, flaky texture of the dessert.

The name is also worth discussing separately. In Europe, charlotte refers to a completely different dessert. It's not an apple pie. The delicacy is more like a pudding and is usually made with berries and a delicate cream topped with savoiardi biscuits. Therefore, calling the French apple pie a charlotte, while common, is not entirely accurate.

Recipe with step-by-step photos

French Charlotte

Ingredients

Servings

Ingredients for the dough:

Apples

700 G
Egg C1

2 pcs
Sugar

100 G
Salt

pinches
Milk

100 ml
Flour

100 G
Baking powder

2 tsp
Butter

25 G

Ingredients for topping:

Sugar

15 G
Butter

20 G

Preparation

Step 1

Beat the eggs at medium speed until bubbles form on the surface, then increase the speed to maximum.

Step 2

Once the mixture is smooth and fluffy, add the sugar and a pinch of salt. Beat for a few minutes until evenly distributed. Without stopping the mixer, pour in the milk in a thin stream and mix until smooth.

Step 3

Add the pre-sifted flour mixed with baking powder. Gently stir with a spatula from the bottom up to prevent the mixture from settling too much.

Step 4

Grease the pan with butter, peel and core the apples, cut them into wedges, and add them to the dough. Mix well. Transfer the dough to the pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle with sugar and scatter small pieces of butter around.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 200°C, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and bake the charlotte for 30-40 minutes.

Step 6

The French charlotte is ready. Let it cool completely in the pan, then remove it and transfer it to a serving dish for tea.

Similar video recipe: French Apple Pie

This unusual charlotte is also called the "invisible pie." It got its unusual name because the dessert contains virtually no dough. Especially when you place the apples in the pan, they'll feel as if they've been lightly greased.

But the actual sponge cake is airy and very tender and moist, thanks to the abundance of apple juice. Be sure to try this dessert not only warm but also completely chilled. Many people enjoy it even more this way than freshly baked.

Choosing apples for charlotte

Try to use the most aromatic fruits with a distinct tartness for this recipe. This way, their flavor will fully develop after baking. If the fruits are very sweet, you can add a pinch of citric acid or a little citrus juice to the dough for the same effect and to further brighten the pie.

If you make a French apple pie, you'll soon forget about the regular Charlotte. The taste of this dessert will completely replace the classic tea treat.

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