Gordon Ramsay’s Calvados toffee apple pancakes

Gordon Ramsay’s Calvados toffee apple pancakes

Dive into the delightful world of dessert pancakes with Gordon Ramsay's Calvados Toffee Apple Pancakes. This recipe combines the nostalgic joy of toffee apples with the grown-up sophistication of Calvados, an apple brandy, to transform a classic treat into an elegant dessert. Here's everything you need to know to recreate this indulgent dish at home.

Gordon Ramsay's Calvados Toffee Apple Pancakes: A Brief Overview

Inspired by the cherished childhood memory of toffee apples, Gordon Ramsay elevates this simple pleasure into a sumptuous dessert. By infusing the caramel with Calvados, Ramsay adds a layer of complexity and depth to the flavor, making it a perfect treat for adults looking to indulge their sweet tooth.

Cultural or Historical Context

Toffee apples, also known as candy apples in some regions, have been a staple at fairs and Halloween celebrations for decades. Ramsay's twist on this traditional treat by incorporating Calvados, a French apple brandy, pays homage to the apple's versatility and cultural significance in culinary traditions worldwide.

Ingredients for the Calvados Toffee Apple Pancakes

For the Topping:

  • Pecan nuts: 30g
  • Green apples: 350g
  • Butter: 100g
  • Calvados: 50ml
  • Vanilla paste: ½ tsp
  • Dark muscovado sugar: 80g
  • Double cream: 100ml
  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving

For the Pancake Batter:

  • Plain flour: 150g
  • Baking powder: 1½ tsp
  • Caster sugar: 2 tbsp
  • Large egg: 1
  • Whole milk: 150ml
  • Butter (melted): 30g
  • A pinch of salt

Preparation Instructions

  1. Begin by toasting the pecan nuts in a preheated oven, then chop them roughly.
  2. For the pancake batter, mix flour, baking powder, caster sugar, egg, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  3. Peel, core, and slice the apples, then cook them in butter until they begin to brown. Flambe with Calvados, then add vanilla paste, muscovado sugar, and cream.
  4. Cook the pancake batter in a non-stick frying pan and keep them warm.
  5. Reheat the apples until the caramel sauce thickens.
  6. Serve the pancakes in stacks topped with the apple mixture, caramel sauce, toasted pecans, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat the pancakes and apple topping separately to maintain the texture. The pancakes can be warmed in a toaster or oven, while the apple topping should be gently reheated in a pan until warm.

Nutritional Information

This dessert is rich in flavors and calories. The combination of butter, cream, and sugar makes it a treat best enjoyed in moderation. For detailed nutritional information, consider the ingredients individually and adjust portions as necessary.

FAQ about the Calvados Toffee Apple Pancakes

  • Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, feel free to use your favorite variety, though green apples provide the right balance of tartness and sweetness.
  • Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Calvados? Apple juice or cider can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute, though the unique flavor profile of Calvados will be absent.

Gordon Ramsay's Calvados Toffee Apple Pancakes are a testament to his innovative approach to cooking, turning simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these pancakes promise to delight and impress.

Original recipe by Gordon Ramsay, as featured on the Gordon Ramsay Academy website and Foodies Magazine​​​​.

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