Experience the delicate layers of thinly sliced apples wrapped in a light, delicate batter and finished with a glossy glaze. This stunning dessert proves that simplicity can create the most extraordinary results.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3-4 medium apples (approximately 600g/21 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons (50g) granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons (60g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
For the Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam or honey
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease a loaf pan (approximately 9×5 inches)
- Line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
- Prepare the Apples
- Wash and core the apples (no need to peel)
- Slice very thinly (1-2mm) using a mandoline or sharp knife
- Keep slices in water with lemon juice to prevent browning
- Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy
- Add vanilla extract
- Sift in flour and baking powder
- Fold gently until just combined
- Assemble
- Pat apple slices dry with paper towels
- Arrange a layer of overlapping apple slices on bottom of pan
- Pour over half the batter
- Layer remaining apples
- Pour remaining batter
- Press gently to compact
- Bake
- Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown
- Test with skewer – should come out clean
- Cool in pan for 30 minutes
- Finish
- Heat jam/honey with water until liquid
- Brush over cooled cake
- Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight
- Slice and serve
Nutritional Information
Per serving (8 slices):
- Calories: 145
- Protein: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
Timing:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 4+ hours
- Total Time: 5+ hours
Tips and Tricks
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- Keep sliced apples in cold water to prevent browning
- Slice apples as thinly as possible for best layering
- Don’t skip the cooling time – it helps set the layers
- Use a serrated knife for clean slices
Variations and Substitutions
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter
- Use pears instead of apples
- Replace vanilla with almond extract
- Top with powdered sugar instead of glaze
- Add lemon zest to the batter
Common FAQs
Q: Why did my cake not set properly?
A: Ensure apples are very thinly sliced and properly dried.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: The top should be golden and a skewer should come out clean.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months
- Best served at room temperature
- Make a day ahead for best results
- Keep covered to prevent drying
This elegant French-inspired dessert showcases the natural sweetness of apples in a sophisticated presentation that’s surprisingly simple to achieve. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with minimal ingredients.