Print

French Apple Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

This classic French Apple Cake recipe features thinly sliced apples layered in a tender, lightly sweetened batter, baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that combines the natural sweetness and crispness of firm apples with a moist, cakey texture, finished with a sprinkle of sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar for an inviting presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

Batter

  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Topping

  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform thin slices. Set the sliced apples aside in a large bowl.
  2. Make the batter base: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs and both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a better cake texture.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in the melted unsalted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well combined, creating a smooth liquid batter.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to ensure even distribution, then whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth with no lumps.
  5. Fold in apples: Gently fold the thin apple slices into the batter carefully, ensuring each slice is coated without breaking them. The batter will be thin, as it lightly binds the apple layers.
  6. Prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf or square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
  7. Arrange the cake: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to arrange apples in neat, distinct layers to create the characteristic layered look and texture in the finished cake.
  8. Add topping: Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
  9. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan; this resting period helps the apple slices bind together and makes slicing easier. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.

Notes

  • Using a mandoline for slicing apples ensures even thin slices, which are key to the cake’s texture.
  • Choose firm, crisp apple varieties like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cooling the cake fully before slicing helps it hold together because the batter is thin and apple slices are layered.
  • This cake can be served warm or at room temperature, and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter.

Keywords: French apple cake, apple dessert, layered apple cake, French dessert, easy apple cake recipe, autumn dessert

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/french-apple-cake-recipe/