This delightful recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of poppy seeds with the sweet, crispiness of apples and a buttery streusel topping, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. Each layer contributes its own unique element, resulting in a dessert that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. This Poppy Seed and Apple Slices with Butter Streusel is a sophisticated treat that pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal choice for an afternoon snack or a refined dessert after a family meal.
Why You'll Love This:
The contrasting textures in this dessert make it a standout. The firm base provides a solid foundation, the creamy poppy seed layer adds depth, the smooth pudding offers sweetness, and the apple slices introduce a fresh, juicy element. The crumbly streusel topping brings it all together with a satisfying crunch. This layered dessert not only tastes incredible but also offers a variety of textures that dance in your mouth, making each bite exciting and enjoyable.
Perfect Occasion:
This elegant dessert is perfect for formal gatherings, dinner parties, or family celebrations. It's sophisticated enough for special occasions like anniversaries or holidays, yet comforting enough for a Sunday dinner dessert. The rich flavors and beautiful layers also make it a great choice for festive seasons, adding a touch of luxury to any dessert table.
Decoration Tips:
For an added touch of elegance, dust the cooled dessert with a fine layer of icing sugar just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful, snowy appearance that makes the dessert even more inviting. Consider garnishing with a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest to complement the apples and add a pop of color.
Ingredients:
- For the Crumbs:
- 85 g butter
- 130 g flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- For the Base:
- 80 g butter
- 125 g flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- 1 flat tsp baking powder
- For the Poppy Seed Mixture:
- 180 g poppy seeds
- 90 g sugar
- 420 ml milk
- 60 g durum wheat semolina
- 60 g butter
- 1 medium to large egg
- For the Vanilla Pudding:
- 400 ml milk
- 1 pack vanilla pudding powder
- 50 g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- Additional:
- 2 small apples
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 28x17 cm baking tin with parchment and butter the edges.
- Prepare the crumbs by kneading butter, flour, sugar, and vanilla sugar together. Set aside.
- For the base, mix butter, flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. Press this dough into the prepared tin.
- For the poppy seed mixture, grind poppy seeds finely. Combine with sugar, milk, semolina, butter, and an egg. Simmer until thickened, then smooth over the base.
- Cook the vanilla pudding with milk, pudding powder, sugar, and vanilla sugar until thick. Carefully pour over the poppy seed layer.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice or grate the apples. Spread them over the pudding layer. Sprinkle with the prepared crumbs.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Let cool completely, dust with icing sugar, and cut into pieces.
Enjoy this rich and delightful dessert that beautifully marries the flavors of poppy seeds, apples, and buttery streusel!