French-Style Apple Cake Recipe

Why make this recipe

French Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of tender apples with a light and fluffy batter. This recipe is simple enough for anyone to make, and it produces a cake that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply want a sweet treat at home, this cake will impress your family and friends. It’s moist, aromatic, and offers a wonderful balance of sweetness from the apples and a subtle hint of vanilla.

How to make French Apple Cake

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, sliced into thin wedges)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Make batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and frothy. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine: Gently stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add apples: Fold in the sliced apples. The batter will be thick, but the apples should be well coated.
6. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
7. Cool & serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then release and transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

How to serve French Apple Cake

Serve the French Apple Cake warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. For an extra indulgent treat, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

How to store French Apple Cake

To store the French Apple Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its shelf life, where it will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Tips to make French Apple Cake

1. Choose the right apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
2. Don’t overmix: Be careful when mixing in the dry ingredients and the apples to keep the cake light and fluffy.
3. Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it, to avoid it breaking apart.

Variation

You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor. Another variation is to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on the apples before folding them in for extra warmth and spice.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use any type of apples you like, but a mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor.

Is this cake good for freezing?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Be sure to wrap it tightly, and it can last for up to three months in the freezer.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy it the next day.

French Apple Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A delightful dessert that combines tender apples with a light and fluffy batter, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: cuisiniu
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

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, sliced into thin wedges)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Prepare dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Make batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and frothy. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine: Gently stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add apples: Fold in the sliced apples. The batter will be thick, but the apples should be well coated.
6. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
7. Cool & serve: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then release and transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

For an indulgent treat, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature.