This light version of the invisible apple cake, known for its delicate layers of thinly sliced apples held together by a minimal amount of batter, is a wonderfully refreshing dessert. It’s called “invisible” because the apples melt into the cake as it bakes, leaving behind a beautiful texture and natural sweetness. The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant vanilla, and a hint of buttery richness makes this cake a light yet satisfying indulgence, perfect for those looking to enjoy a dessert that feels both elegant and guilt-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This invisible apple cake is the perfect balance of lightness and flavor. The generous amount of thinly sliced apples creates a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the oat flour (or regular flour) gives it a wholesome twist. The lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and adds a lovely tang, while the hint of vanilla and lemon zest brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. With just a touch of sugar, this recipe is ideal for those looking to reduce their refined sugar intake without sacrificing taste. The end result is a cake that’s light on calories but rich in flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This light apple cake is perfect for any time of day—from a delightful breakfast treat to a healthy afternoon snack or a light dessert after dinner. Its airy texture and gentle sweetness make it ideal for sharing with friends and family during a cozy fall gathering or as part of a holiday dessert table. Because it’s so light and not overly rich, it’s also an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy something sweet without feeling too full.
Decoration Tips
To enhance the beauty of this invisible apple cake, dust the top with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar once it has cooled completely. For an added decorative touch, consider placing a few thin apple slices on top before baking, so they caramelize beautifully in the oven. You could also zest a bit of lemon over the powdered sugar for an extra burst of freshness. Serve the cake on a rustic wooden board or cake stand to give it a charming, homemade appeal.
Ingredients:
- 6 large golden apples, thinly sliced
- 2 large eggs
- 100g oat flour (or regular flour)
- 50g sugar (or another sweetener of your choice)
- 20g unsalted butter
- 100ml milk
- Juice of two lemons
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet vanilla-flavored baking powder
- Seeds from half a vanilla pod (or vanilla extract)
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the lemons and apples:
Begin by washing the lemons. Grate the zest from one lemon and extract the juice from both lemons. Slice the apples thinly, and brush each slice with the lemon juice to prevent browning. - Heat the milk and butter:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat. Add the butter, stirring occasionally until it melts completely. Set aside to cool slightly. - Mix the wet ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, vanilla seeds, and lemon zest until light and frothy. Gradually add the sifted flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until smooth. - Incorporate the milk mixture:
Slowly pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the batter while whisking to ensure everything is well combined. - Fold in the apples:
Gently fold the thin apple slices into the batter, making sure to coat each slice evenly. - Prepare the baking tin:
Line a 18-20cm springform pan with parchment paper. Pour the apple mixture into the pan, leveling the top with a spatula. - Bake the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After 40 minutes, start checking for doneness to avoid over-baking. - Cool and garnish:
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before transferring to a serving plate. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy this light and airy invisible apple cake—a perfect, guilt-free treat that highlights the natural sweetness of apples!
