This Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic) is the sort of dessert you find in cozy Parisian cafés, its golden crumb and tender apples perfect alongside strong coffee or afternoon tea. It’s simultaneously simple and impressive, with buttery richness and the gentle perfume of vanilla layered with juicy apple slices. The result: a cake that feels both rustic and refined, easy enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough for guests. If you’re searching for a timeless bake that celebrates apples at their finest, this French classic never disappoints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those magical recipes where basic pantry staples and a trio of fresh apples transform into something extraordinary. Each ingredient in the Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic) brings its own special touch, whether it’s lending structure, encouraging rise, or infusing the crumb with delicate flavor and moisture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the tender crumb, making the cake sturdy enough to showcase those succulent apples.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake just enough lift for a light, airy texture without overpowering denseness.
- Salt: Enhances all the wonderful flavors and tones down the sweetness for balance.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Creates a moist, rich crumb and subtly deepens the cake’s flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness that’s never cloying and helps create that classic golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and help the cake rise in the oven.
- Pure vanilla extract: Lends warmth and aroma, coaxing out the very best in those apples.
- Whole milk: Ensures a tender, soft texture with every bite.
- Medium apples (3, peeled, cored, thinly sliced): The star of the show—choose firm, tart-sweet apples for the richest flavor and best texture.
- Rum (optional, 1 tablespoon): Adds a sophisticated French flair; Calvados or apple brandy also shine here.
- Powdered sugar: For that lovely dusting on top to finish with a wistful, Parisian flourish.
How to Make Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic)
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan—this ensures your cake releases easily and gets a beautiful, lightly golden edge. There’s truly nothing better than turning out a cake that looks picture-perfect from the get-go!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only blends your leavening agent and seasoning evenly but also helps you avoid any unwanted lumps. The secret to a great Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic) is in these little steps.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
Take a larger bowl and whisk the melted butter and sugar together until smooth. The sugar will dissolve ever so slightly into the warm butter, creating a base that’s wonderfully creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and the rum (if you’re feeling fancy). Each addition contributes to the ultimate flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Take your time—gentle folding will keep the batter light. Once most of the flour is incorporated, pour in the milk and continue mixing until the batter is silky and smooth, with no streaks of flour left behind.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Add your beautifully sliced apples to the batter, and fold them in with a large spatula until every piece is coated. This step packs the cake with pockets of juicy, fragrant fruit so that every bite captures the spirit of the Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic).
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma as it bakes will fill your kitchen with nostalgia and anticipation!
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully turn it out onto a rack, allowing it to cool a bit more before dusting with powdered sugar. This final touch isn’t just for looks—it adds a whisper of sweetness and that unmistakable French bakery charm.
How to Serve Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic)
Garnishes
The simplest and most classic garnish is a generous snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving. For extra elegance, consider a few curls of lemon zest, a handful of toasted sliced almonds, or even a drizzle of warm caramel for those with a sweet tooth. Any of these elevate the rustic beauty of the Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic).
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own, but it absolutely sings when paired with softly whipped cream, crème fraîche, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more continental feel, serve with a tiny espresso or a glass of dessert wine. Each pairing highlights the delicate flavors in a special way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a potluck or brunch, slice the cake into slender wedges and fan them on a platter; for an intimate dinner, serve each piece with a dollop of cream and a sprig of fresh mint. You can also dust stencils over the cake with powdered sugar for stunning, café-worthy patterns—perfect for parties where every detail matters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic) keeps wonderfully covered at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, pop it in the refrigerator, but bring it to room temperature before serving to restore the soft crumb and apple flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (minus the powdered sugar topping) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before garnishing and serving.
Reheating
If you love your cake slightly warm, heat a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for about five minutes. Warming intensifies the apple aroma and makes the buttery crumb extra inviting.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Choose firm apples with a sweet-tart flavor, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape while baking and provide a lovely balance to the cake’s richness.
Can I make this Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic) gluten free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delightfully French and apple-forward.
Do I have to use rum or Calvados?
No, the alcohol is entirely optional. It enhances the depth of flavor, but the cake is just as delicious without it. You can swap in a tablespoon of apple juice or simply omit it altogether.
Why is my cake a bit dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make your cake heavy. Gently fold the ingredients just until combined, and be sure to measure flour with the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
Can I add spices like cinnamon?
Absolutely! While the traditional Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic) is flavored simply with vanilla and rum, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add your own personal signature to the cake if you love a spiced note.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic) enough—it’s the sort of bake that fills your kitchen with joy and your table with friends. If you love apples as much as I do, give this French classic a spot in your baking routine, and see how quickly it becomes your go-to for any occasion!
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Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this French classic Apple Cake. A moist, tender cake filled with sweet apple slices and a hint of rum, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon rum (optional)
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and rum if using.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually fold in dry ingredients, then add milk until smooth. Gently fold in sliced apples.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Finish: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- You can use Calvados instead of rum for a French touch.
- Serve warm with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
