Easy French Apple Cake

There’s something magical about a warm slice of cake that brings out the sweetness of apples nestled beneath a golden crust. This Easy French Apple Cake isn’t just simple to make but also gives you the perfect blend of flavors and textures. With a fluffy interior and tender apples, it makes for a delightful dessert that feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you have a gathering or just want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious French-inspired treat!

What You’ll Need for Easy French Apple Cake

To make this delectable cake, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 pounds apples (choose a variety you love)
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
3 ½ tablespoons rum (49 grams; feel free to use apple juice as an alternative)
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled (142 grams)

How to Make Easy French Apple Cake

Follow these simple steps to create your cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch springform pan with butter. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Set them aside for later.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs for 1-2 minutes until they become frothy. Gradually add in the sugar, rum, and vanilla, whisking for another minute until well combined.
Stir in half of the flour mixture until fully blended, then add in half of the melted butter. Continue this process with the remaining flour and butter until you have a smooth batter.
Gently fold in the sliced apples until they are completely coated in the batter. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan.
Smooth out the batter, and pop it in the pre-heated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for 5-10 minutes. Then, gently run a blunt knife around the edges to loosen any cake that may be stuck.
If you lined the pan with parchment paper, the cake should slide out easily after removing the sides of the springform pan. If not, carefully slide a long knife under the cake to loosen it from the bottom, then invert it onto a plate lined with parchment paper, and flip it onto a serving platter to serve. It’s recommended to allow the cake to cool completely before doing this for easier handling.

Serve & Enjoy Easy French Apple Cake

This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a simple presentation or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. This cake can also be a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering, pleasing both the eyes and taste buds!

Recipe Tips & Variations

Apple Choice: Try mixing different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness. This will give your cake a unique flavor profile.
Add Nuts: For a little crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples.
Spices: Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for an extra layer of warmth and aroma.

Easy French Apple Cake FAQs

Q1: Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?
Yes! You can experiment with pears or even berries, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time based on the fruit’s moisture content.

Q2: How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and let it cool. It will taste amazing the next day as the flavors meld together!

This Easy French Apple Cake recipe will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, grab some fresh apples, and give it a try. Happy baking!