French Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the comforting flavors of apples and warm spices into a moist, cake-like treat. It’s perfect for any occasion, from quiet family dinners to festive gatherings. The laughter and smiles it brings as you slice into this golden cake are simply priceless. With its rich buttery base and tender apples, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
What Goes into This French Apple Cake
To create this delicious treat, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp whole milk
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 medium apples (about 1 lb / 450 g), peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step French Apple Cake Recipe
Follow these easy steps to bake your French Apple Cake:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
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Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and frothy. Slowly add the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently stir in the prepared dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until you see no more flour.
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Add Apples: Fold in the thinly sliced apples until they are well coated. The batter will feel thick, but that’s perfect for this cake!
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently release it and transfer to a wire rack. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a touch of sweetness.
Serve & Enjoy French Apple Cake
This French Apple Cake is delicious as it is, but there are a few ways you can elevate the experience. Serve it warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy cup of tea for the ultimate comfort food combination. For an extra touch, you could add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top!
Helpful Tricks for French Apple Cake
- Choose the Right Apples: Use apples that hold their shape well when baked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best texture and flavor.
- Add Spices: Feel free to spice it up! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of warmth and flavor to your cake.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
French Apple Cake FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! While some apples work better for baking than others, feel free to experiment with your favorites.
What if I don’t have a round cake pan?
You can use a square pan or even a muffin tin for individual servings. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Once cooled, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Give this French Apple Cake recipe a try! It’s an easy, delicious dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Happy baking!