Prepare the apple filling: Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a large saucepan. Mix well and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
Add the lemon juice, mix well, and cover the pan. Cook until the apples are lightly caramelised and tender but still retain some texture. Avoid overcooking, as the apples can become too soft and sticky. Once done, transfer the apple filling to a cool bowl and set aside to cool.
Prepare the jaggery mixture: Heat another saucepan and add the crumbled cottage cheese and milk. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the jaggery and cook for another 7–8 minutes. Add the pistachios, saffron, cardamom powder, and unsalted butter. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes slightly coarse and aromatic.
Fry the edible gum: Heat some unsalted butter or ghee in a pan and add the edible gum. Fry until it puffs up and turns lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Assemble the dessert: Take elegant round oven-safe glasses and add about ¾ inch of the apple filling. Add a ½-inch layer of the jaggery mixture, followed by another ½-inch layer of apple filling. Finish with a second layer of the jaggery mixture, about ⅓ inch thick.
Gently flatten and smooth the top layer using the back of a spoon.
Add the toppings: Garnish with chopped nuts, fried edible gum, and a few pieces of the caramelised apple filling.
Finish with a few saffron strands for a beautiful pop of colour and an elegant presentation.
Bake: Cover the tops of the glasses loosely with aluminium foil. Place the glasses in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes. Carefully remove and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve and enjoy!