This French Apple Cake is a timeless recipe passed down by grandmothers across France. Rustic in appearance but rich in buttery flavor, it’s packed with apples for a deliciously tender bite. Best made with tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala, this cake is a true reflection of simplicity and taste. If your apples are on the sweeter side, a little lemon juice will balance the flavor perfectly. A wonderful dessert that pairs beautifully with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and richness. The batter is light and airy, but the true star is the abundance of apples, which give the cake a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of buttery richness and the tartness of the apples creates an elegant dessert that feels both nostalgic and comforting. It’s easy to make and perfect for those who appreciate a no-fuss, flavorful dessert that lets the natural sweetness of fruit shine through.
Perfect Occasion
This cake is perfect for casual family gatherings, afternoon tea, or even as a dessert for dinner parties when you want something that feels homemade but looks and tastes impressive. Its rustic charm makes it a hit at potlucks and brunches. Since it’s best served warm, it’s ideal for cozy evenings, especially during fall and winter when apple-based desserts are at their peak.
Decoration Tips
For a traditional, rustic look, simply sprinkle a little sugar on top of the cake before baking to create a golden, caramelized crust. After baking, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the flavors. For a fancier presentation, garnish with thin apple slices or a light zesting of lemon.
Ingredients:
- 4 large apples
- 3 eggs
- 200g demerara sugar
- 120g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 180g all-purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm round springform pan with butter and flour, or use a baking spray for easy release.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel and core the apples, then cut them into thin slices. If your apples are sweet, drizzle a little lemon juice over them to add some tartness.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until smooth.
- Incorporate the Apples:
- Add the apple slices into the batter, folding them in until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle a little extra sugar over the top to create a caramelized crust while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Enjoy this comforting French Apple Cake, perfect for any occasion!
