Apple Pie Tiramisu Recipe

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 10 servings

Apple Filling

• 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie fruit filling or topping (such as Lucky Leaf)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon table salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Tiramisu

• 1 (8-ounce) mascarpone cheese, softened (such as BelGioioso)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup apple cider
• 24 ladyfinger cookies
• 1/4 cup caramel topping, divided, plus more for drizzling (such as Smucker's)
• Chopped toasted pecans for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a bowl, stir together apple pie fruit filling, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined. Reserve 1/4 cup of apple slices in a small bowl. Roughly mash the remaining apple mixture using a potato masher. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Tiramisu: Place mascarpone cheese in a large bowl and set aside. In a separate large bowl, combine the cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-low speed for about 30 seconds, until it begins to thicken. Increase speed to medium and continue beating for about 2 minutes, until soft peaks form.
3. Gently whisk one-third of the cream mixture into the mascarpone cheese until combined and slightly loosened. Fold in the remaining cream mixture in two additions, using a whisk, until fully incorporated.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu: Pour the apple cider into a shallow bowl. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cider, rolling it for about 1 second to coat. Arrange 12 ladyfingers in a single layer on the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish, trimming or breaking them to fit. Fill any gaps with leftover pieces of ladyfingers.
5. Spread half of the mashed apple filling over the ladyfingers. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling. Top with half of the mascarpone mixture, spreading it into an even layer.
6. Repeat the layering process: add the remaining ladyfingers, dip them in cider, and top with the remaining apple filling, caramel sauce, and mascarpone mixture. Pile the layers high, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Discard any remaining cider.
7. Loosely cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and set.
8. Serve: Once ready to serve, chop the reserved apple slices. Uncover the tiramisu and top with the chopped apples and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Garnish with toasted pecans, if desired.

Apple Pie Tiramisu is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts the classic Italian Tiramisu and the comforting flavors of an apple pie. This dessert blends the smooth creaminess of mascarpone cheese with the spiced apple filling typically found in apple pie, creating a unique twist on the original tiramisu.

History of the Dish

Though tiramisu is traditionally an Italian dessert, known for its layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, the apple pie tiramisu is a more recent creation. It originated from the increasing trend of "fusion desserts," where different culinary traditions are combined to create something new and innovative. This dish marries the essence of Italian tiramisu with the warmth and sweetness of American apple pie, making it a perfect seasonal dessert, especially for fall gatherings and Thanksgiving celebrations.

Regional Variations

Apple pie tiramisu, while still holding the Italian roots of tiramisu, is influenced by American regional flavors. The use of apple cider and apple pie filling is characteristic of the flavors of the northeastern United States, where apple pie is a staple. In contrast, traditional tiramisu, originating from the Veneto region in Italy, typically uses espresso and cocoa. The apple pie version adds a comforting, autumnal twist, reflecting the American love for spiced apple desserts.

Difference from Similar Dishes

While apple pie tiramisu may share similarities with traditional tiramisu, particularly in its use of ladyfingers and layered structure, the key difference lies in the flavor profile. Traditional tiramisu is made with coffee, cocoa, and sometimes liquor, giving it a rich, bittersweet flavor. In contrast, the apple pie tiramisu uses apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel, providing a sweeter, spiced flavor that is distinctly autumnal. The apple filling in this variation further differentiates it from classic tiramisu, which does not feature any fruit-based layer.

Where It Is Typically Served

Apple pie tiramisu is typically served as a fall or holiday dessert, especially in regions where apple pie is a seasonal favorite. It's a popular choice for Thanksgiving and other autumn celebrations. Additionally, it can be found at dessert buffets, dinner parties, or even as a special menu item at bakeries and Italian restaurants that offer unique dessert options. Its creamy texture and sweet-spiced layers make it a crowd-pleaser during festive occasions.

Interesting Facts

• Apple pie tiramisu is not an ancient recipe but rather a modern innovation, blending two iconic desserts from different culinary traditions.
• The use of mascarpone cheese in this dish helps balance the sweetness of the apple pie filling and adds to the creamy texture of the tiramisu.
• While traditional tiramisu is a no-bake dessert, apple pie tiramisu requires a brief chilling period to allow the flavors to meld together, typically 4 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
• The dessert has become a fall favorite due to its use of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel, which are classic fall flavors.
• In the United States, variations of tiramisu are often adapted to reflect regional flavors, such as the apple pie version in the Northeast and pumpkin spice tiramisu in the fall.

FAQ about Apple Pie Tiramisu Recipe

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