Healthy Apple Pie – Rougemont Style (or Cake?)
Try this Healthy Apple Pie – Rougemont Style (or wait... is it really a cake?) recipe.
Try this Healthy Apple Pie – Rougemont Style (or wait... is it really a cake?) recipe.
- 2 eggs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup coconut water
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup spelt flour
- 1/2 cup pecans coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup egg whites
- 1/4 cup date paste
- 3 tbsp arrowroot flour
- freshly grated nutmeg to taste
- the seeds from one vanilla bean (or one tsp pure v
- 8 large apples (i used an assortment including gala red delicious and golden delicious)
- Carbohydrate 22.9877626456372 g
- Cholesterol 2.51805555682429 mg
- Fat 5.5143869539139 g
- Fiber 2.56332775248124 g
- Protein 5.94394430690559 g
- Saturated Fat 1.06867166813425 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (123g)
- Sodium 105.932263940767 mg
- Sugar 20.424434893156 g
- Trans Fat 0.263880847504346 g
- Calories 158 calories
Step-by-step
- Whisk flour, baking powder and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk oil, buttermilk and egg; pour this over reserved flour mixture. Stir lightly with your fingers until the ingredients come together to form a fairly smooth dough. If your dough is too soft, add extra flour until you reach the desired consistency. Your dough should be soft, slightly tacky, but not sticky.
- Transfer dough onto a piece of plastic wrap. Press down to form into a thick disc, wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- On floured surface, roll out dough to form a 12-13 inch disc. Fit into 9 inch spring form pan, letting excess hang over edge; Set aside.
- Cut the apples in half and remove their core with a melon baller. Slice the apples as thinly and uniformly as you can; the use of a mandolin is strongly recommended. Reserve the prettiest slices for the top layer (the equivalent of about 2 apples).
- Arrange your apple slices in layers, working your way up in a somewhat circular pattern. No need to be super fancy until you get to the very last layer, but still, you want to keep your layers as level as possible.
- When you get about halfway up, sprinkle half the raisins and half the pecans, and then resume piling slices of apples. Make sure to make the final layer super pretty and sprinkle the rest of the raisins and pecans; Fold excess dough back over the apples and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, delicately mix the date paste, arrowroot and eggs with a whisk until smooth and well combined. Whisk in egg whites, followed by buttermilk, coconut water, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Whisk until all the ingredients are fully incorporated then slowly pour that mixture right in the center of your cake. Don't pour too quickly: you want the mixture to get between all the apple slices while avoiding getting too much of it on top of your cake.
- Place in the oven immediately and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the crust turns nice and golden brown and the cake is set.
- Turn the oven off and crack the door open. Let the cake cool in the oven for a couple of hours, then chill completely in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight before very delicately removing from pan.
My Rougemont Apple "Pie" Adventure: A Culinary Journey
Baking has always been my happy place, a sanctuary where flour dusts my anxieties away and the sweet aroma of cinnamon fills the air, replacing worries with warmth. This recipe, the "Healthy Apple Pie – Rougemont Style," was a recent adventure, a delightful deviation from my usual baking routine. I've always loved apple pies, the comforting classic, but the idea of making a healthier version intrigued me. The description hinted at a possible cake-pie hybrid, and that alone was enough to pique my curiosity. What began as a recipe became an exploration of textures and flavors, a journey into the heart of a rustic French village (well, at least in my imagination!). The Rougemont style promised a unique twist, and it definitely delivered.
The process itself was a blend of familiar and novel steps. The dough was easy to work with, though I did have to add a touch more flour to achieve the right consistency. The most challenging part was undoubtedly the meticulous layering of the apples. I found myself lost in the rhythm of arranging the slices, creating a beautiful, almost artistic, composition inside my pan. The combination of apples, pecans, and raisins created a symphony of textures and flavors, a delicious dance on the palate. The baking time was perfect; the crust achieved that glorious golden-brown hue, and the filling remained moist and flavorful. The cooling process, however, required some patience. Waiting for the pie to cool completely was a test of my willpower, but the result was worth every agonizing minute.
The final product was simply magnificent. The crust, tender and flaky, offered a delightful contrast to the juicy, sweet, and slightly tart apple filling. The pecans and raisins added a welcome crunch and sweetness, and the subtle spices created a cozy, comforting warmth. It was more than just a pie; it was an experience. It was a culinary hug, a delicious reward for a bit of time spent in the kitchen. This recipe isn't just a set of instructions; it's an invitation to create something beautiful and delicious. It's a journey, not just a destination, and I encourage everyone to embark on this tasty adventure. The blending of traditional pie making with a healthy twist makes it a perfect addition to any autumnal gathering or a quiet evening at home. The subtle sweetness and comforting spices make it ideal for any time of year, but something about the rich flavors and comforting texture makes it especially satisfying during the cooler months.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Baking and Life
Baking, for me, is more than just a hobby; it's a form of self-expression, a way to connect with my creativity and soothe my soul. It is often in the quiet moments in the kitchen that I find clarity and peace, a place where I can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. The rhythmic motions of mixing, kneading, and shaping dough have a calming effect, helping me to focus and de-stress. The process of transforming simple ingredients into something delicious and beautiful is incredibly rewarding. Each successful bake is a small victory, a testament to my patience and perseverance. This is true not only for baking, but for life in general. Like this pie, life often requires patience, careful planning and the right ingredients to create something truly wonderful. Sometimes, unexpected challenges arise along the way, just like when I needed to add more flour to my dough, but these challenges only enhance the experience.
The beauty of baking lies in its simplicity. With a few basic ingredients, one can create a masterpiece, an edible testament to the power of culinary creativity. And this recipe, with its blend of whole wheat and spelt flour, and the use of natural sweeteners, serves as a perfect example of how to make something both healthy and utterly delightful. The use of wholesome ingredients adds a layer of satisfaction beyond the simple pleasure of indulging in a delicious treat. It's a way of showing self-care, of nourishing not only my body but also my spirit. Baking allows me to express my creativity and share my love with others through the simple act of creating and sharing something delicious. And in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, this small act of creation offers a welcome sense of peace and purpose. This healthy apple pie recipe is therefore not only a recipe for a delectable dessert but also a recipe for happiness and connection.
So, I urge you to try this recipe. Not just for the delicious pie, but for the journey, the experience, the chance to create something beautiful and share it with those you love. You might find, like I did, that baking isn't just about following instructions; it's about embracing the process, celebrating the small victories, and finding joy in the simplest of things.
