Apple-Bread Pudding Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch-square baking pan and line with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides; butter the foil.
2. 2
   Mix the applesauce, raisins, lemon zest and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.
3. 3
   Whisk the melted butter, milk and egg yolks in a shallow dish.
4. 4
   Dip half of the bread slices in the egg mixture and layer in the prepared pan, trimming as needed.
5. 5
   Spread the applesauce mixture over the bread.
6. 6
   Dip the remaining bread slices in the egg mixture and layer on top.
7. 7
   Bake until the egg mixture is set and the bread is golden, about 35 minutes.
8. 8
   Meanwhile, beat the egg whites and confectioners' sugar in a bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
9. 9
   Spread the apricot preserves on top of the cake.
10. 10
    Spread the egg-white mixture on top of the preserves, forming peaks with the back of a spoon.
11. 11
    Return to the oven until the meringue is golden, 5 to 7 minutes.
12. 12
    Let the cake cool in the pan, about 1 hour.
13. 13
    Lift out of the pan using the foil and slice into squares.