Apple Charlotte

Directions

1. 1
   Pre-heat oven to 375°F.
2. 2
   Put the apples, cinnamon, lemon zest and juice and sugar in a saucepan.
3. 3
   Cover and simmer gently until pulpy, stirring occasionally.
4. 4
   Beat thoroughly with a wooden spoon, then cook, uncovered, over a high heat, stirring continuously, until any excess liquid has evaporated and the puree is very thick.
5. 5
   Brush the butter all over the slices of bread.
6. 6
   Line the base and sides of a greased 6 inch deep cake tin (such as a Christmas cake tin or substitute a coffee can or vegetables tin, as long as it does not have ridges) with the slices of bread, making sure that they overlap.
7. 7
   Spoon in the apple puree and cover with more over-lapping slices of bread.
8. 8
   Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
9. 9
   Serve at once, turned out and accompanied with real custard or fresh cream or clotted cream to pour over it.