French Apple Cake, or “Gâteau aux Pommes,” is a delightful dessert. It celebrates the natural sweetness and flavor of apples. It also incorporates a moist, tender cake base. This cake is typically made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and fresh apples. It is often enhanced with the addition of vanilla or spices like cinnamon.
The apples are usually diced or sliced. They are folded into the batter. This helps to keep the cake moist and infuses it with fruity warmth. The texture can range from dense to light and airy. This depends on the recipe. But, it generally has a tender crumb that melts in the mouth.
French Apple Cake is often baked in a round or square pan. It is dusted with powdered sugar. It can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a wonderful treat for any occasion. You can enjoy it as a comforting dessert after dinner. It is also delightful as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. The cake is loved for its rich flavor. It is also appreciated for its ease of preparation. This makes it a popular choice in homes across France and beyond.
Soft vanilla and apple flavored cake dotted with chunks of apple. Fluffy french apple cake which is filled with tons of flavor.
INGREDIENTS for French Apple Cake
- ▢ ½ cup salted Butter 110 g
- ▢ ½ cup Sugar 100 g
- ▢ 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ▢ 2 large Eggs
- ▢ 2 tbsp Apple juice optional
- ▢ 1 cup All Purpose Flour 120 grams
- ▢ 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ▢ 2 Apples (peeled and chopped) I used gala variety
- ▢ 1 ½ tbsp Sugar for sprinkling over cake
INSTRUCTIONS French Apple Cake
Double Batch French Apple Cake Recipe
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Cake Pan: Grease a 24 cm (9.5-inch) round cake pan with oil and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will guarantee easy removal once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Mix well and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a beaters on medium speed (3), whip until the mixture is creamy.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time. Beat on a higher speed (6) until each egg is fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the apple juice and the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Beat until just mixed.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Check if a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, carefully remove it from the pan, slice, and serve.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your French Apple Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
Enjoy baking your French Apple Cake! 🎂
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Notes and tips for making a delicious French Apple Cake:
Notes:
- Choosing Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honey crisp, and Fuji can offer a nice balance.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to hold the apples but still pourable. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or apple cider.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to confirm it blends well with the sugar. Softened butter will create a lighter texture in the cake.
- Eggs: Using room temperature eggs will help the batter mix evenly and contribute to the cake’s overall fluffiness.
- Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. A splash of dark rum or calvados can also enhance the apple flavor.
Tips:
- Slicing Apples: Slice apples uniformly for even cooking. Tossing them in a little lemon juice can help prevent browning before adding them to the batter.
- Mixing Method: Avoid over mixing the batter once you add the apples, as this can lead to a tougher cake. Gently fold in the apples until just mixed.
- Pan Preparation: Grease the cake pan well and consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Cooling: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Wait another 5 minutes before removing it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the cake warm for a comforting treat or at room temperature. Pair it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent experience.
- Storage Tips: If you plan to store the cake, wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze slices individually for a quick dessert later.
- Variations: Get creative with ingredients! You can add nuts, raisins, or even a sprinkle of streusel on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about French Apple Cake that you can include:
1. What makes French Apple Cake different from other apple cakes?
French Apple Cake is typically denser and moister than traditional apple cakes. It features a tender crumb. It often incorporates rum or vanilla for flavor. This allows the apples to shine, making it more fruity.
2. Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Yes! Tart apples like Granny Smith or tart varieties like Honey crisp work well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple types for varying flavors and textures.
3. Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is generally recommended for a smoother texture. Nonetheless, you can leave the skins on if you prefer extra texture and nutrients.
4. How should I store leftover French Apple Cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
5. Can I add nuts or other ingredients to the cake?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, can add a delightful crunch. You can also incorporate raisins or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
6. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean from the center. It can also have a few moist crumbs. The edges should be slightly golden brown.
7. Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, French Apple Cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop even more!
8. What can I serve with French Apple Cake?
French Apple Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar also makes a lovely presentation.
9. Is there a gluten-free version of French Apple Cake?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and it should work well while maintaining a similar texture.
10. How can I make my French Apple Cake even more flavorful?
Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the batter. Consider adding a splash of apple cider or rum for depth of flavor.
French Apple Cake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of French Apple Cake, a delightful dessert that showcases the sweetness of fresh apples in a moist, tender cake. With a simple blend of ingredients and a touch of warm spices, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether served after dinner or as a sweet afternoon treat. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, perhaps accompanied by a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted Butter 110grams
- ½ cup Sugar 100 grams
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Apple juice optional
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour 120 grams
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 Apples (peeled and chopped) I used gala variety
- 1½ tbsp Sugar for sprinkling over cake
Instructions
I made this for double.
- Preheat oven to 180C or 350F. First prepare a 24 cm cake pan by oiling it well and cover the pan with parchment papper.
- Take flour, baking powder in a bowl and mix well. Set aside.
- Take butter, sugar, vanilla in a bowl and use a beater to whip till it gets creamy (3 speed). Add one egg at a time and beat till cream(6 speed).
- Add in apple juice and flour mix. Beat till mixed.
- Add in the chopped apples and fold gently.
- Spoon this into the pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle with the 2 tblspn of sugar and bake for 40 mins untill a toothpick inserted comes clean and top is golden.
- Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- Remove it from pan and slice and serve.
Notes
- Cream butter and sugar till fluffy and creamy which makes the cake light and fluffy.
- Don't over mix the batter, over mixing makes the cake tough.
- Be sure to select baking apples for this recipe. Baking apples hold their shape when baked, so the chunks of fruit won’t turn into applesauce in the oven. Tart-sweet varietals such as Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Jonagold are all good options.
- Instead of apples you can use pears too.
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