Classic French Apple Cake

French Apple Cake

A rustic yet elegant dessert made with tender chunks of apple suspended in a light, buttery cake. This traditional French treat is subtly sweet, with a soft, custard-like interior and a golden top. Perfect for coffee, tea, or as a light after-dinner dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp whole milk

• 3–4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious work best)

• Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or springform pan.

2. Prepare the Apples:

   • Peel, core, and cut apples into 1/2-inch chunks. Set aside.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla and melted butter, whisking until combined.

5. Combine Batter:

   • Stir half the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add milk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Add Apples:

   • Fold apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

7. Bake:

   • Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

   • Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool & Serve:

   • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Equipment

• 8-inch round cake pan or springform pan

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Rubber spatula

• Peeler & knife

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Serving Size

• Serves 8

French Apple Cake

A rustic yet elegant dessert made with tender chunks of apple suspended in a light, buttery cake. This traditional French treat is subtly sweet, with a soft, custard-like interior and a golden top. Perfect for coffee, tea, or as a light after-dinner dessert.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:45 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr

Equipment

• 8-inch round cake pan or springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Peeler & knife

Ingredients

• 1 cup 125 g all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup 150 g granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup 115 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp whole milk
• 3 –4 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious work best
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:
• Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
• Prepare the Apples:
• Peel, core, and cut apples into 1/2-inch chunks. Set aside.
• Mix Dry Ingredients:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Mix Wet Ingredients:
• In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla and melted butter, whisking until combined.
• Combine Batter:
• Stir half the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add milk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
• Add Apples:
• Fold apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
• Bake:
• Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool & Serve:
• Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Servings: 8 servings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of apples work best for French Apple Cake?
   A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the best flavor and texture.

2. Do I need to peel the apples?
   Yes, peeling helps the apples blend into the soft texture of the cake.

3. Can I use oil instead of butter?
   Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil, but butter gives a richer flavor.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

5. Can I reduce the sugar?
   You can reduce it to 1/2 cup without affecting the texture too much, but it will be less sweet.

6. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
   Yes, 1 teaspoon cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg adds a warm flavor.

7. Can I bake it in a different size pan?
   Yes, you can use a 9-inch pan, but baking time may be slightly shorter.

8. Why is my cake dense?
   Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make it dense mix until just combined.

9. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

10. Can I serve it warm?
    Yes, it’s delicious slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

How To Store French Apple Cake

• Room Temperature:
  Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator:
  Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

• Freezer:
  Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

• Extra Tip:
  If reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh the texture.