Norwegian Apple Trifle (Tilslørte Bondepiker)

This is a classic Norwegian dessert perfect for fall when apples abound.

It consist of cooked apples, whipped cream and a crunchy topping. 

In Norwegian this dessert is called " veiled peasant girls", and it is a mystery how it got this peculiar name. Maybe it has something to do with the whipped cream covering up the apples? Sounds plausible to me! Anyhow, this simple yet pretty dessert is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, soft and crunchy.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Apple sauce:

3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored and roughly diced

1/4 cup apple cider or apple juice

1-2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup sugar (use more if you want it sweeter)

Crunch:

3 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup crumbled wheat biscuits (about 4)

1/3 cup walnuts, chopped

2 tablespoons oats

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 -1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Whipped cream:

1 1/2 cup cream

1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon sugar

Preparation:

Combine all the ingredients for the apple sauce in a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook until apples are tender but still intact, 10-12 minutes, or cook further and mash lightly for a smoother sauce. I like it chunky! Remove from heat and cool completely. 

Meanwhile, make the crunch: Combine all the dry ingredients in a small bowl and stir together. Melt the butter in a medium skillet and add the crunch mixture. Cook gently on low heat until lightly browned, stirring constantly, so it doesn't burn. Transfer to a plate and cool completely. 

Whip cream, vanilla and sugar together until soft peaks form.

Shortly before serving, layer apples, cream and crunch in clear glasses. Drizzle with maple syrup or apple syrup if you have some (totally optional!).

Serves 4-6 depending on glass size

(Recipe adapted from Trine's matblogg)

PS. To save time you can use store bought apple sauce for this. To make it healthier use yogurt instead of cream and top with granola. Totally breakfast worthy in my book!