Pies: which is tastier Russian charlotte or American pie?

Late summer brings apple season, and the smell of jam and pies drifts out of every window. Some people find apple pie too plain, since apples are on sale all year. But one taste of a truly great apple bake is enough to change their mind. Let us compare two classics: Russian charlotte and American pie.

Traditional charlotte

Whisk 3 eggs with a cup of sugar, then add the same amount of flour and whisk again. Slice about 6 medium apples and arrange them in a greased tin, for example a silicone baking mould. Pour over the batter and bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for no more than 40 minutes.

There is no need to peel the apples, and do not check the cake before half an hour has passed, or it may sink.

English charlotte

The name charlotte is also given to an English pudding that is even easier. Soak a loaf or white bread in a sweet mixture of milk, sugar and butter and lay it on a baking tray. Top with stewed, baked or puréed apples. Repeat the layers three or four times, finishing with bread, and bake until golden. Serve with whipped cream; some people add a scoop of ice cream.

American apple pie

Make a dough from a cup of flour, 100 g of butter and one egg, wrap it in cling film and leave it somewhere cool for about an hour. Meanwhile melt the rest of the butter in a water bath, add 3 tbsp of flour and stir until smooth. Pour in half a cup of water, add cinnamon and a cup of sugar; regular and brown sugar can be mixed 1:1. Stir in the sliced apples.

Divide the dough in two. Roll out one half and line a greased tin, leaving a rim, then cut the other into strips, twist them and lay them crosswise over the filling. Bake for 40 minutes at 200 degrees. Whichever tradition you choose, the key ingredient is love. For another sweet topic, read about flavouring chocolate.

FAQ

Do the apples need peeling for charlotte?

No, you can bake them with the skin on.

Why does charlotte sink?

Usually because the oven is opened before the first half hour is up.

How long does the pie bake?

About 40 minutes at 200 degrees.