Peel, quarter and core the apples. Cut into pieces. Put apples, cinnamon stick and lemon peel in a pot. Add vanillin sugar, sugar and 1/8 litre water and bring to the boil. Cover and boil down over low heat for about 15 minutes.
Stir the starch and some cold water until smooth and add to the compote. Boil up again while stirring. Let the compote cool down. Remove lemon peel and cinnamon stick. Coarsely chop the rusks with a large knife.
Whip the cream until semi-firm. Lay the rusk, compote and cream in four dessert glasses. Decorate with apple slices if desired.