Why You’ll Love Easy French Apple Cake Recipe Recipe
This French apple cake offers a rich apple flavor without being overly sweet. The texture is unique—tender and almost custard-like—making it different from typical dense cakes. It improves with age, meaning the flavors deepen as it chills, and you don’t need a mixer to make it!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 pounds apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties works best)
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
3 ½ tablespoons rum
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch springform pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
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In a 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 bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy (about 1–2 minutes). Add the sugar, rum, and vanilla and whisk for another minute.
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Whisk in half of the flour mixture, then half of the melted butter. Repeat with the remaining flour and butter until smooth.
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Fold the sliced apples into the batter, coating them completely.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool for 5–10 minutes, then release the springform sides. If you used parchment, the cake should slide out easily. Otherwise, loosen the edges with a knife and invert it onto a plate before flipping it back onto a serving platter once cooled.
Servings and timing
Serves 10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
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No Alcohol: Replace the rum with apple juice, milk, or cider for a kid-friendly and non-alcoholic version.
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Add Spices: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced apple version.
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Citrus Twist: Replace the rum with fresh orange or lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
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Nutty Texture: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for a bit of crunch.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Store this French apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. The flavor continues to develop as it chills. For best texture and flavor, bring it to room temperature before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as the custard-like texture may become soggy upon thawing.
FAQs
What type of apples should I use?
Use firm apples that hold up during baking. A mix of tart and sweet varieties provides the best flavor and texture.
Can I substitute the rum?
Yes, you can use apple juice, cider, milk, or even water as a replacement for the rum if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Do I need a springform pan?
A springform pan makes it easier to remove the delicate cake, but a well-greased or parchment-lined regular pan can also work.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake actually tastes better the next day. Refrigerate it overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Can I add spices like cinnamon?
Absolutely. Cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can be added for a spiced variation of the cake.
Can I use fewer apples?
It’s best to follow the recipe as written. The apples are key to the texture and flavor, and reducing them may make the cake too dry or flat.
What’s the best way to slice the apples?
Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly and evenly so they cook uniformly and blend seamlessly into the batter.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, you can serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Each version offers a slightly different but delicious experience.
Does this cake pair with anything?
It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, and also tastes amazing with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Conclusion
This Easy French Apple Cake is a comforting and elegant dessert that comes together effortlessly with simple pantry ingredients. Its soft, custard-like texture and layers of sweet apples make it a standout dish for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it’s a delightful way to savor the flavors of the season.
Easy French Apple Cake Recipe
This Easy French Apple Cake is a moist, buttery dessert filled with tender apple chunks and a hint of rum. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for any occasion and requires minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (or apple juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored and diced
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and creamy.
- Add the rum and vanilla extract, then mix to combine.
- Gradually add the melted butter while stirring continuously.
- Fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Add the chopped apples and gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the rum with apple juice or leave it out entirely.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more depth of flavor.
- The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
