The Invisible Apple Cake, or “Invisible aux Pommes,” is a delicate French dessert that beautifully highlights the natural sweetness and texture of thinly sliced apples. Each slice of this cake is packed with layers of soft, tender apples held together by a light batter, making it nearly “invisible” once baked. The result is a cake that’s more fruit than cake, with a texture similar to a clafoutis, perfect for apple lovers. It’s best served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll love this cake for its simplicity and lightness, where apples are the star of the show. The batter gently envelops the apple slices, allowing the natural flavors of the fruit to shine through. The touch of vanilla and the soft texture make it a satisfying yet light dessert that’s not overly sweet. This cake is ideal for those who prefer fruit-based desserts with a hint of richness from butter and vanilla.
Perfect Occasion: This Invisible Apple Cake is perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or as a light and refreshing dessert after a meal. Its subtle sweetness and fruit-forward nature make it an excellent option for any time of year, especially during apple season.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant finish, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add an extra layer of indulgence. Fresh apple slices arranged on top can also add a decorative touch.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg apples (about 6-7 medium apples)
- 3 eggs
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar (or 2 tsp vanilla sugar)
- 40g granulated sugar
- 70g all-purpose flour
- 100ml whole milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 20g melted butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel the apples and remove the cores using an apple corer or a knife. Cut each apple in half, then slice the apples into thin, even slices (about 2-3mm thick).
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a wide loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, and milk until well combined.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, then stir in the vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Add the thin apple slices to the batter and gently mix to ensure all the slices are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Arrange the apple slices one by one into the prepared loaf pan, stacking them vertically in layers. Pour any remaining batter between the layers to ensure the apples are well coated.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake the cake for 35 minutes at 200°C. After this time, cover the cake with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too much or switch the oven to bottom heat only.
- Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool and Chill:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- After cooling, refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight. The cake is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once fully chilled, slice the cake and serve. It can be enjoyed as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream on the side.
Enjoy!
