Baking a cake can be one of the most delightful experiences in the kitchen, especially when that cake is a warm, comforting Easy French Apple Cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering, a casual brunch, or just a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner. With its tender, buttery crumb and a generous amount of fresh apples, it evokes the charm of a quaint French patisserie. Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious dessert that will fill your home with delightful aromas!
What Goes into This Easy French Apple Cake
To create this delicious cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 pounds apples (choose a mix of your favorite varieties)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 3 ½ tablespoons rum (49 grams; you can substitute with apple juice if preferred)
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled; 142 grams)
How to Make Easy French Apple Cake
Follow these steps to whip up your Easy French Apple Cake:
-
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10-inch springform pan with butter, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
-
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. You can use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor.
-
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs for about 1-2 minutes until frothy. Then, pour in the sugar, rum (or apple juice), and vanilla extract, whisking for another minute to combine.
-
Gradually whisk in half of the flour mixture until it’s well blended. Then blend in half of the melted butter. Repeat this process with the remaining flour and butter until the batter is smooth.
-
Gently fold in the sliced apples, ensuring they are fully coated with the batter. Then pour this mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top.
-
Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The cake should be golden brown, and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
-
Allow the cake to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. Run a blunt knife around the edge to loosen it from the sides. If you used parchment paper, the cake should come out easily. If not, use a long knife to loosen the bottom, then invert it onto a plate lined with parchment paper, followed by flipping it onto a serving platter.
The Best Way to Serve It
Once your Easy French Apple Cake has cooled, it’s time to serve it up! There are many wonderful ways to enjoy this cake:
-
Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful touch and extra sweetness.
-
Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates this dessert to another level. The creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the soft cake.
-
Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.
Helpful Tricks for Easy French Apple Cake
-
Choosing Apples: For the best flavor, mix different varieties of apples, such as Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji for sweetness.
-
Melted Butter Tip: Make sure your melted butter is cooled before adding it to the batter. This prevents cooking the eggs and helps create a smooth batter.
-
Storage: If there are any leftovers (though unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for a week.
Easy French Apple Cake FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can experiment with pears or peaches, but make sure they’re ripe to match the sweetness of the cake.
How do I know when the cake is done?
When the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center, it’s ready!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance as the flavors intensify overnight. Just keep it covered!
Baking your Easy French Apple Cake is a simple and rewarding process that will bring joy to your kitchen and happiness to your tastebuds. Give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Easy French Apple Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10-inch springform pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs for about 1-2 minutes until frothy. Mix in the sugar, rum (or apple juice), and vanilla extract, whisking for another minute.
- Gradually whisk in half of the flour mixture, blending in half of the melted butter. Repeat with the remaining flour and butter until smooth.
- Gently fold in the sliced apples until they are fully coated.
- Pour the apple batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Place the cake in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Allow to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar, serve with whipped cream or ice cream, or enjoy with coffee or tea.