French apple cake, often referred to as "invisible apple cake," is a delightful treat that beautifully showcases the flavor of fresh apples. This cake is truly special because it features more apples than batter, making it a moist, fruity confection that’s sure to please. The cake’s simplicity and wonderful taste have made it a favorite in French kitchens, and now it can be yours too!
What Goes into This Invisible Apple Cake
To create this delicious French apple cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 eggs (Eier)
- 130 g sugar (Zucker)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (Vanillezucker)
- 1 pinch of salt (Prise Salz)
- 50 g melted butter (geschmolzene Butter)
- 150 ml milk (Milch)
- 1 tsp baking powder (Backpulver)
- 130 g flour (Mehl)
- 1 kg apples (Äpfel)
- 1/2 lemon (Zitrone)
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds (Mandelblättchen)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (Puderzucker)
Step-by-Step Invisible Apple Cake Recipe
Making this cake is an enjoyable process. Just follow these simple steps:
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Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) with the fan setting. Line the bottom of a loaf pan with parchment paper and grease the sides with oil, butter, or margarine using a paper towel.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until fluffy.
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Stir in the melted butter and milk until well combined.
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Sift in the flour and baking powder, mixing gently until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. The batter will be quite fluid, resembling pancake batter.
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Prepare your apples by peeling, quartering, and removing the cores. Slice them into very thin pieces and drizzle a bit of lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
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In the prepared loaf pan, alternate layers of apple slices and batter. Start with a layer of apples, then pour on some batter. Repeat until all the apples and batter are used up.
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Bake the cake for about 45 minutes at 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens (or 180°C/356°F for conventional ovens).
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Once baked, let the cake cool completely — ideally for 2-3 hours or even overnight. When cooled, remove it from the pan and sprinkle with sliced almonds and powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Invisible Apple Cake
Serve your invisible apple cake alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. When plating, you can slice the cake and arrange it on a nice plate, dusting extra powdered sugar on top for that café-style presentation. This cake also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat or dessert after a hearty meal.
Expert Tips for Invisible Apple Cake
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Apple Variety: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together.
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Resting Time: Letting the cake rest before slicing is essential. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier slicing.
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cake can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature!
FAQs About Invisible Apple Cake
Can I use other fruits?
Yes! While apples are traditional, pears or even berries can work well in this recipe.
Why is it called invisible apple cake?
Because the cake batter is much thinner than usual, the apples seem to "disappear" into the cake, making it look light and airy.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the invisible apple cake. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Give this French apple cake, or invisible apple cake, a try! With its delicious flavors and comforting textures, you’ll surely fall in love with each bite. Enjoy your baking adventure!