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Apple Lasagna is a dessert unlike any other, blending the rich, indulgent layers of lasagna with the sweet, spiced warmth of baked apples. This unique dessert has all the elements that make lasagna so comforting—layers, creaminess, and texture—but with an exciting, fruity twist. Think of it as an apple pie, but deconstructed and reassembled in lasagna form. Each bite delivers a delicious combination of tender apples, creamy ricotta cheese, cinnamon, and a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
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Peel and Slice the Apples:
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- Begin by peeling and coring your apples. Once peeled, slice them thinly into about 1/4-inch thick pieces. The thinner the slices, the more tender and evenly they will cook.
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Cook the Apples:
- In a large saucepan, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Stir to combine the spices evenly with the apples.
- Add 1/2 cup of water or apple juice and lemon juice, which will help the apples release their natural juices and create a syrupy base.
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Simmer the Mixture:
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- Cook the apple mixture over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should soften and release their juices, creating a fragrant, spiced sauce. Once the apples are tender but still hold their shape, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry.
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Thicken the Sauce:
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering apple mixture while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
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Mix the Ricotta Filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream (or milk), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The ricotta mixture should be thick but spreadable.
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Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the ricotta mixture and adjust the sweetness or flavor as needed. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add an extra tablespoon of sugar or vanilla extract. The ricotta will balance out the sweetness of the apples and add a creamy contrast to the layers.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Boil the Noodles (if using regular noodles):
- If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
- Use No-Boil Noodles:
- If using no-boil lasagna noodles, simply set them aside—there’s no need to cook them beforehand, as they will soften and cook in the oven while baking with the other layers.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- Make the Crumb Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it forms small crumbs.
- If you like a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping. These nuts will give an extra layer of texture and richness to the dessert. Set the topping aside.
Step 5: Assemble the Apple Lasagna
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Begin by spreading a thin layer of the ricotta mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will create a smooth base for the lasagna layers and prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Next, add a layer of lasagna noodles. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, layer them horizontally across the baking dish. For no-boil noodles, just arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they cover the bottom evenly.
- Add the Apple Filling:
- Spoon half of the cooked apple mixture over the noodles, spreading it out evenly. The apples should cover the noodles completely.
- Add the Ricotta Mixture:
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the apples, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Repeat the Layers:
- Repeat the process to create another layer of noodles, apples, and ricotta. The final layer should be the ricotta mixture.
Step 6: Add the Topping
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Top with the Crumb Mixture:
- Once the layers are assembled, sprinkle the prepared oat and butter topping evenly over the top of the lasagna. The crumbs will bake into a golden, crispy topping that complements the tender apples and creamy ricotta.
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Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The apple filling should be hot and the ricotta mixture fully set.
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Cool Before Serving:
- Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
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Slice and Plate:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the apple lasagna into squares or rectangular pieces. The layers should be visible, with the tender apples, creamy ricotta, and crispy topping all beautifully stacked.
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Optional Garnish:
- For an extra touch, dust the top of the apple lasagna with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Tips for Perfect Apple Lasagna
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Choose the Right Apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples will give you a balanced flavor profile. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that pairs well with the sweetness of Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. You can also experiment with other apple varieties like Gala or Braeburn for different tastes and textures.
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Texture Matters: If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the cooking time for the apples in Step 1. If you like them more tender and soft, cook them a little longer. Just be sure not to overcook the apples before assembling the lasagna, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
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Homemade Lasagna Sheets: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own lasagna noodles from scratch. This will add an extra layer of homemade goodness to the dessert and let you customize the thickness and texture of the noodles.
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Add Spice Variations: While cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are classic warm spices for apple desserts, feel free to experiment with other spices like cloves or cardamom for a more exotic flavor profile. A dash of vanilla extract in the apple filling can also add a lovely depth of flavor.
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Make Ahead: Apple Lasagna can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for holiday gatherings or meal prepping. Simply bake it according to the recipe, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it. Reheat the lasagna in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes before serving.
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Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta or cashew cream, and use a non-dairy butter alternative for the topping. You can also replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
Conclusion
Apple Lasagna is a sweet, comforting dessert that combines the best of both worlds—classic lasagna layers and the irresistible flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and cream. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy fruity desserts with a twist, and it’s sure to be a showstopper at any dinner party or holiday gathering. Each layer offers a delightful contrast of textures—from the tender apples to the creamy ricotta and the buttery, crisp topping.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Apple Layer:
- 4 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Creamy Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a different texture)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whipped topping)
- For the Lasagna Assembly:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or use no-boil noodles)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Layer:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples evenly in the spices and sugar.
Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften and caramelize slightly. Set aside to cool. - Prepare the Creamy Layer:
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the creamy cheese mixture until combined. - Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. - Assemble the Apple Lasagna:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the creamy cheese mixture on the bottom.
Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the cream, followed by a layer of the cooked apples.
Spread a generous layer of the creamy cheese mixture over the apples, then add another layer of noodles, apples, and cream. Repeat until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a top layer of creamy cheese mixture.
Optionally, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for crunch. - Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbly and slightly golden on top. - Serve:
Let the apple lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired for an extra indulgent touch.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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