There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cake wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s a delightful French apple cake. This scrumptious dessert features the natural sweetness of apples, blended with a moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the afternoon or sharing it with loved ones during a cozy dinner, this easy French apple cake is sure to impress!
Gather Your Easy French Apple Cake Ingredients
To create this delicious treat, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds apples (choose a mix of your favorite varieties)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 3 ½ tablespoons rum (49 grams; you can substitute with apple juice if preferred)
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled; 142 grams)
Step-by-Step Easy French Apple Cake Recipe
Follow these straightforward steps to create a delightful French apple cake that everyone will love:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10-inch springform pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs for about 1-2 minutes until frothy. Mix in the sugar, rum (or apple juice), and vanilla extract, whisking for another minute.
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Gradually whisk in half of the flour mixture, blending it with half of the melted butter. Repeat with the remaining flour and butter until everything is smoothly combined.
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Gently fold in the sliced apples, ensuring they are fully coated in the batter.
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Pour the apple batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
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Place the cake in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
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Allow the cake to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan.
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Dust with powdered sugar, serve with whipped cream or ice cream, or simply enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
How to Serve Easy French Apple Cake
Serving this exquisite cake is just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience:
- Dust it with powdered sugar for a simple yet beautiful presentation.
- Pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich treat.
- Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon.
- Serve it with fresh fruits on the side, like berries or slices of citrus, for a refreshing contrast.
Helpful Tricks for Easy French Apple Cake
To make the most out of your baking experience, consider these handy tips:
- Make sure your apples have good flavor! Mixing different apple varieties can give your cake a complex and delightful taste.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving; this helps it set for cleaner slices.
- Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for an extra flavor kick.
Easy French Apple Cake FAQs
Q: Can I use different fruits in this cake?
A: Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can experiment with pears or other seasonal fruits to create your own twist.
Q: How do I store leftover cake?
A: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes! You can freeze the cake for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Everyone loves a delightful dessert, and this easy French apple cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try this recipe out today, and enjoy the heartwarming flavors that come with each slice! Happy baking!