This Chocolate Apple Puree Dessert is a delightful and healthy treat that combines the rich taste of chocolate with the natural sweetness of apples. Perfect for a simple dessert option, it’s suited for various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free. With its creamy texture and indulgent chocolate flavor, this dessert is a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the nutritional benefits of apples.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Chocolate Apple Puree Dessert, you will need:
- 1 kg (approximately 7-8 medium apples): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a smooth texture. Use a variety that is good for baking, like Fuji or Granny Smith, for the best results.
- Water: Sufficient to cover the apple pieces during cooking. This is essential to soften them properly.
- 300 g chopped chocolate (about 2 cups of chocolate chips): You can choose between dark, semisweet, or milk chocolate based on your preference. Dark chocolate will provide a richer flavor and additional health benefits.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by peeling and cutting 1 kg of apples into small, manageable pieces. These apple pieces will cook down and create a smooth puree, so uniform size helps them cook evenly. Place the chopped apples in a pot and fill it with enough water to completely cover the pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Next, bring the pot filled with apples and water to a boil over medium heat. Allow the apples to cook for about 5 minutes, or until they become soft and easily break apart. This softening is crucial for achieving a smooth puree later.
Step 3: Blend the Apples
Once the apples are soft, drain the cooked apples to remove excess water. Transfer the softened apples to a blender and puree them until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend them less. The resultant apple puree should be silky and creamy.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
As the apples cool slightly, chop 300 g of chocolate into small pieces if you are not using chocolate chips. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it, as chocolate can seize if cooked too long.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
With the chocolate melted, combine the chocolate with the apple puree, mixing until both components are well incorporated. The chocolate will give the apple puree a rich flavor and a dessert-like quality. Lightly grease a mold or container with a little oil to prevent sticking, then pour the mixture into the mold. Allow it to cool at room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator for a few hours to set completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the dessert has set, it can be unmolded (if using a mold) and served chilled. For an added touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnished Delight: Serve topped with chopped nuts or fresh berries to add a fresh taste and crunch.
- With Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream or a vegan whipped topping can complement the chocolate and apple flavors beautifully.
- As a Topping: Use the puree as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal to switch things up.
Cooking Tips
- Choosing Apples: For the best results, select sweet varieties of apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples can also provide an interesting depth of flavor.
- Richness of Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. You can adjust the type of chocolate according to your sweetness preference.
- Smooth Puree: Ensure that the apples are cooked thoroughly to avoid lumps in your puree. If necessary, strain the puree through a fine sieve for extra smoothness.
- Chilling Time: Plan for sufficient chilling time to ensure the dessert sets properly. If you’re short on time, spreading the mixture in a flatter dish can help it cool faster.
Nutritional Benefits
This Chocolate Apple Puree Dessert is not only pleasurable to eat but also offers several nutritional benefits:
- Apples: A great source of dietary fiber, apples support digestive health, and provide essential vitamins such as Vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants that promote heart health.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which are known to improve heart health and reduce inflammation when consumed in moderation. It also adds a dose of antioxidants to your dessert.
Dietary Information
- Dietary Restrictions: This dessert is free of added sugars, dairy, and gluten.
- Suitable for: Vegan, Clean Eating, and Low Sugar diets.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g (natural sugars from apples)
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate or even white chocolate, depending on your taste preferences. Remember that the type of chocolate will affect the sweetness and flavor of the dessert.
Is it possible to make this dessert without a blender?
Yes, if you don’t have a blender, you can use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples until smooth. A food processor would also work if you have one.
How long can I store the leftovers?
The dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it is well-chilled before serving leftovers for the best texture.
Can I add spices to the apple puree?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg will enhance the flavor of the apple puree and give it a delightful warmth.
Is it possible to freeze the chocolate apple puree?
Yes, you can freeze the puree in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Apple Puree Dessert recipe is a simple yet elegant option for satisfying your dessert cravings. Its combination of velvety chocolate and naturally sweet apples makes it a guilt-free indulgence perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare, health-conscious, and utterly delicious, it’s a dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. Gather your ingredients and delight your taste buds with this amazing treat!