There's something about the combination of tart apples, warm spices, and a buttery cake base that makes French Apple Cake a go-to dessert for almost any occasion.
Whether you're craving a cozy afternoon snack or a delicious treat to serve at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's easy to make, absolutely delicious, and will leave you coming back for seconds.
Today, we're going to share how to make this delightful apple cake that has just the right balance of sweetness and tang.
French Apple Cake
Video: Preppy Kitchen
Ingredients You'll Need
To prepare the cake, gather the following ingredients:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons dark drinks
• 2 baking apples (peeled, cored, and chopped into ½-inch cubes)
• Confectioners' sugar (optional, for decorating)
These ingredients come together perfectly to create a simple yet indulgent dessert.
How to Prepare French Apple Cake
We start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning a rack in the middle. Grease a 9-inch springform or regular cake pan. For extra ease, if you're using a regular cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
Next, using a handheld mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and sugar for about 3 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. After that, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla extract and drinks. Don't worry if the batter looks a little grainy at this point — that's completely normal!
Once the wet ingredients are combined, slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the chopped apples. This will give your cake that delightful fruity texture.
Baking the Cake
Now that the batter is ready, scrape it into your prepared cake pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle a tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over the surface of the cake. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool for a few minutes in the pan, and once it's cool enough, run a blunt tool around the edges. If you're using a springform pan, remove the sides carefully. If you're using a regular cake pan, flip the cake over onto a rack, remove the parchment paper, and flip it back to its right side on a platter.
Serving Your French Apple Cake
While the cake is optional to serve warm or at room temperature, a dusting of confectioners' sugar on top adds a nice touch if you're feeling a little extra. For an added indulgence, try serving with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This cake is versatile enough for any time of the day: enjoy it as a dessert, a snack with your afternoon tea, or even as a light breakfast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The French Apple Cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cake dome or covered with foil. If you'd like to keep it for longer, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. After the cake has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in foil or freezer wrap and thaw overnight before serving.
Choosing the Right Apples
When choosing apples for your cake, it's important to select varieties that hold their shape well during baking. Baking apples like Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, and Braeburn are perfect for this cake. They provide just the right balance of tartness and sweetness. You can even experiment by combining different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile.
Conclusion
This French Apple Cake will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth and keep everyone coming back for more. It's a simple recipe, but the flavor is exceptional. With its soft, buttery texture and the perfect amount of fruitiness, it's an all-around winner for any occasion. Try it out today and enjoy a delightful slice of this easy-to-make cake!
