Apple-Cinnamon Mascarpone Bars: A Creamy and Fruity Delight

These Apple-Cinnamon Mascarpone Bars are a delicious fusion of creamy mascarpone, spiced apples, and a soft ladyfinger base. The rich apple topping made with thinly sliced apples cooked in apple juice and cinnamon is perfectly balanced by the light and fluffy mascarpone cream layer. The ladyfingers soaked in milk provide a delicate, cake-like texture to the base, while the whipped cream adds a light, airy finish. With every bite, you’ll experience a comforting mix of fruity sweetness and creamy indulgence. This dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for making ahead of time, making it ideal for any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This:

You’ll love these bars for their combination of textures and flavors. The cinnamon-spiced apples offer a warm, fruity contrast to the cool, creamy mascarpone topping, while the soaked ladyfingers provide a soft, melt-in-your-mouth base. The dessert is light yet indulgent, making it a great option for those who enjoy a balanced sweetness without it being too heavy. This recipe is also perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors develop beautifully after a few hours in the fridge. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or as a weekend treat, these bars will impress with both their taste and presentation.

Perfect Occasion:

These Apple-Cinnamon Mascarpone Bars are perfect for a variety of occasions, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers. They’re an excellent choice for fall or winter, when warm apple desserts are especially comforting. Since they need time to set in the fridge, they are great for make-ahead desserts, perfect for entertaining or special events. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert to serve after a hearty meal or a sweet treat for an afternoon coffee break, these bars will fit the bill.

Decoration Tips:

To give your apple-cinnamon bars an extra touch of elegance, dust the top with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving. For a more festive look, consider garnishing with thin apple slices fanned out on top, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence. You could also add a few crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and visual appeal. If you’re serving them during the holiday season, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top can give them a snowy, wintry appearance.

Ingredients:

For the Apple Topping:

• 600 grams of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

For the Apple Pudding:

• 210 ml clear apple juice
• 1 packet of vanilla pudding powder
• 80 grams of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

For the Base:

• 14 ladyfingers
• 70 ml milk

For the Cream:

• 300 ml whipped cream
• 2 packets of cream stabilizer
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla sugar
• 250 grams of mascarpone
• 50 grams of sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:
   Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
2. Make the Apple Pudding:
   In a saucepan, combine the apple juice, vanilla pudding powder, sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a pudding. Once done, stir the pudding into the apple slices and allow it to cool.
3. Prepare the Base:
   Soak the ladyfingers in 70 ml of milk until slightly soft but not mushy. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer in a 28×17 cm dish or mold.
4. Add the Apple Mixture:
   Once the apple mixture has cooled, spread it evenly over the layer of ladyfingers.
5. Prepare the Cream:
   In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the cream stabilizer and vanilla sugar until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone and sugar until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
6. Assemble and Chill:
   Spread the mascarpone and cream mixture over the apple layer, smoothing it out evenly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to set.
7. Serve:
   Once chilled, remove the dessert from the mold, dust with cinnamon, and cut into squares or bars.

Enjoy!