Exquisite Poppy Seed and Apple Slices with Butter Streusel: A Delicate Dessert Fusion of Texture and Flavor

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:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 28×17 cm baking tin with parchment and butter the edges.
2. Prepare the crumbs by kneading butter, flour, sugar, and vanilla sugar together. Set aside.
3. For the base, mix butter, flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. Press this dough into the prepared tin.
4. 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.
5. Cook the vanilla pudding with milk, pudding powder, sugar, and vanilla sugar until thick. Carefully pour over the poppy seed layer.
6. Peel, core, and thinly slice or grate the apples. Spread them over the pudding layer. Sprinkle with the prepared crumbs.
7. 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!