Patchwork orchard cake
Serve this delicious Patchwork Orchard Pie warm with a dollop of creamy custard. The lattice-shaped shortcrust pastry base gives the flavor mix of juicy quinces a delicious crunch. If you can’t get your hands on quinces, don’t worry! Simply replace it with the same amount of apples or pears to enjoy the fruity treat. Treat your taste buds to every bite of this irresistible cake that perfectly combines sweetness and warmth. It’s the ultimate dessert to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Bon appetit!
Ingredients
- 1½kg mixture of quinces, cooking apples and pears (we used 5 Bramley apples, 2 Conference pears and 2 quinces), peeled, cored and sliced
- 25g butter
- 1 vanilla pod, slit lengthwise and the pulp scraped out
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Juice 1 lemon
- 100g golden icing sugar, plus a little sugar for sprinkling
- 1 tablespoon flour, plus a little flour for dusting
- 375g pack of sweet shortcrust pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vanilla sauce for serving (optional)
Preparation steps
Method:
- Place the quinces in a large pot with the butter, vanilla pod and seeds, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add apples, lemon juice and sugar, cover again and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Add the pears and flour and cook, uncovered, for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the flour from sticking. The fruit should now be soft but still retain its shape.
- Remove the vanilla bean and place the fruit in a deep 22cm cake tin. Let cool down. The fruit can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas. 4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to the thickness of a £1 coin. Trim the edges and then cut into rough triangles or squares.
- Brush the edge of the mold with a little egg and brush the pieces of dough with it. Starting from the outside, layer the dough in a patchwork style, leaving a few small gaps for the fruit to slip through. Trim off any excess edges and sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the juices are bubbling. Serve warm with vanilla sauce if desired.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 384 | 17g | 6g | 54g | 32g | 5g | 4g | 0.6g |
Equipment and tools
- Sharp knife
- peeler
- Corer
- Baking dish or cake pan
- rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Oven
Allergen information
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Dairy products (butter, vanilla sauce)
- Gluten (flour, pastry)
- Eggs
Please be aware of these allergens if you or anyone consuming the cake has dietary restrictions or allergies.
Storage and leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Serve with vanilla sauce if desired.
The Health Benefits of Patchwork Orchard Pie
When it comes to desserts, the Patchwork Orchard Pie not only impresses with its delicious taste, but also with its health benefits. Packed with a variety of fruits, this cake will not only satisfy your sweet tooth, but also provide essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being. Let’s explore the health benefits of the main ingredients of this delicious dessert.
Mixture of quinces, cooking apples and pears
This Patchwork Orchard Pie recipe calls for a mix of quince, cooking apples, and pears. Each of these fruits comes with its unique health benefits.
Quinces: Quinces are a great source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. They are also rich in vitamins C and E and offer antioxidant properties that strengthen the immune system and protect cells from damage.
Apples: Bramley apples are known for their acidity and are a rich source of antioxidants and fiber. Antioxidants help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and promote overall health. The high fiber content helps support a healthy digestive system and maintain regular bowel movements.
Pears: Conference pears are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and prevents constipation. They are also a good source of vitamins C and K as well as copper and potassium. These nutrients contribute to immune system health, bone health, and overall energy levels.
Butter and vanilla bean
A touch of butter and the aromatic taste of the vanilla pod round off the taste of this cake. While these ingredients primarily improve the flavor profile, they also provide some health benefits.
Butter: Although butter should be consumed in moderation, it contains essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, vision and brain function.
Vanilla bean: Vanilla bean is known for its unique scent and taste. It contains antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals that can damage cells. Additionally, vanilla is believed to have calming properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Ground cinnamon and lemon juice
The addition of ground cinnamon and lemon juice not only adds flavor but also offers some notable health benefits.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Regular consumption of cinnamon is associated with lower blood sugar levels, improved heart health, and a reduction in inflammation in the body.
Lemon juice: Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and protects against cell damage. It also supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
By combining these nutritious ingredients, Patchwork Orchard Pie offers a delicious dessert option that will not only satisfy your cravings but also contribute to a balanced diet. Whether enjoyed with a dollop of vanilla pudding or on its own, this cake is the perfect way to treat yourself to something delicious while nourishing your body.
