Scandinavian Delight: Learn How to Master the Flawless Æblekage Recipe – Danish Apple Cake

Æblekage: A Scrumptious Scandinavian Delight

Æblekage, the traditional Danish dessert found in Scandinavian cuisine, is commonly known as apple cake, although it does not involve any baking. Instead, it is a delightful layered dish made with apples, cinnamon, and caramelized breadcrumbs. The Norwegian name for it, tilslшrte bondepiker, translates to “veiled peasant girls,” further adding to its mystique as it sits between a trifle and a charlotte. Some might say the best English description for it would be “angel food,” as Signe Johansen explains in her book Scandilicious Baking. She describes the combination of ingredients as an “unusual combination” that works wonderfully well. The apples are sweet and fragrant with cinnamon, while the caramelized breadcrumbs add crunch and flavor. This dish is a refreshing alternative to a traditional trifle and is perfect for celebrating the end of summer. Additionally, it makes great use of seasonal fruit and stale bread, making it both delicious and economical.

Choosing the Perfect Apples

If you are fortunate enough to have an abundance of windfall apples, they would be ideal for this dish. However, if you are buying apples, there are various recommendations from different recipes. Some suggest using cooking apples, such as bramleys or granny smiths, for their acidity, while others prefer dessert varieties for their tartness or fragrance. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference. You can even mix different types of apples to achieve the desired balance of sweetness and flavor. Just be aware that overly sweet and juicy apples may require a squeeze of lemon juice for added acidity.

Preparing the Apples

Once you have your apples, the next step is to decide how you want to cook them. There are two common approaches. One method involves sautéing diced apples in butter and sugar, resulting in a tatin-like texture where the pieces retain their shape. The other method involves stewing the fruit with a modest amount of sugar and water to create a chunky puree. Both methods have their merits; the former offers a more textured dish, while the latter creates a smoother apple sauce. The choice is yours, depending on whether you prefer a fool-like consistency or a smoother finish.

Crumbs: A Unique Twist on Cake

Unlike British trifles, æblekage replaces cake with breadcrumbs. Each recipe has its own variation. Some use caramelized croutons, others fry butter and sugar-coated breadcrumbs, while some even incorporate oats for added texture. Dark rye breadcrumbs offer a unique, sour flavor that complements the cream and apples perfectly. However, you can also use plain white breadcrumbs if you prefer. The important thing is to add a pinch of salt to the breadcrumbs to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.

Indulge in the Creamy Layers

Cream is a crucial component of æblekage, elevating it from a simple stewed apple dish to a delectable treat. While there are variations in the amount and type of cream used, the most delightful combinations are those that incorporate both double cream and full-fat creme fraiche. This blend adds a tanginess that complements the apples perfectly. Adding a touch of sugar and vanilla to the cream mixture enhances its flavor, making it even more delightful. Be careful not to overdo it; this is not a dessert that requires excessive cream.

Exploring Flavor Enhancements

Æblekage is a wonderfully simple dessert, but there are options for those looking to add their own creative twist. Lemon zest and verbena can be added to the apples during cooking, or you can incorporate cinnamon, vanilla, or even toasted almond flakes. For a burst of color, serve the dish with rosehip preserve or redcurrant jelly. Some even grate chocolate over it for a touch of indulgence. The choice is yours, and experimenting with flavors can add a dash of excitement to your æblekage.

Serve and Enjoy

Opinions differ on whether æblekage should be consumed immediately or left to firm up for a couple of hours. Some prefer to serve it immediately to savor the crunchy texture, while others enjoy it after some time in the fridge when it solidifies like a cake. Whichever method you choose, serving it in glass bowls adds visual appeal, allowing you to admire the distinct layers of this delectable dessert. Simply assemble the dessert by layering the cream, apples, and breadcrumbs, and admire the gorgeous result. Your æblekage is now ready to be devoured with delight.

Perfect Æblekage Recipe

Prep Time: 15 Minutes, Plus Cooling
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 500g cooking apples or tart dessert apples (e.g., granny smith, cox)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 50g soft brown sugar, or ordinary white sugar
• 1 lemon (optional)
• 100g stale or well-toasted dark rye bread
• 1 tbsp flaked almonds (optional)
• 30g butter
• 40g white sugar, plus 1 tbsp extra for the cream
• A pinch of salt
• 150ml double cream
• 100g full-fat creme fraiche, preferably the very thick French variety
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Peel and core the apples, then roughly chop the flesh. Place the chopped apples in a saucepan with a tablespoon of cold water, cinnamon, and soft brown sugar.
2. Simmer gently until the apples break down into a chunky puree. Add a little lemon juice if desired and leave to cool.
3. Break the bread into pieces, then pulse in a food processor to create coarse crumbs.
4. If using flaked almonds, toast them in a small, dry frying pan until lightly golden.
5. In the same pan, melt butter and add white sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar caramelizes and coats the bread crumbs.
6. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream, creme fraiche, 1 tablespoon of white sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
7. Assemble the Æblekage by layering the cream, apple puree, and caramelized breadcrumbs in glass bowls.
8. Garnish with toasted flaked almonds, if desired.
9. Enjoy your perfect Æblekage!