How To Make A Simple French Apple Cake

Indulge in the rustic charm of a French Apple Cake, a dessert that encapsulates the essence of traditional European baking. This delightful treat features tender apple slices delicately nestled within a soft, buttery cake batter, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavours. With a hint of warming spices and a golden-brown crust that’s both crisp and inviting, each bite transports you to the idyllic countryside kitchens of France. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon delight or a comforting dessert, this French Apple Cake is a testament to the simplicity and elegance that define classic French culinary craftsmanship.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE FRENCH APPLE CAKE

Certainly! Here’s what you’ll need to make French Apple Cake:

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Icing sugar (powdered sugar), for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
4. Gradually add in the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the egg-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and spread it evenly.
7. Arrange the sliced apples on top of the batter in a circular pattern or as desired.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optionally, dust the cooled cake with icing sugar (powdered sugar) just before serving.
11. Slice and serve the delicious French Apple Cake on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Géraldine’s tips

1. Choose the Right Apples: Opt for apples that are slightly tart and firm, like Granny Smith or Braeburn, for the best texture and flavour in your apple cake.
2. Uniform Slicing: When slicing the apples for the cake, aim for uniform thickness. This ensures even cooking and a visually appealing result.
3. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, remember to gently fold until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
4. Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps in achieving a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
5. Cinnamon Magic: The touch of ground cinnamon adds warmth to the cake’s flavour. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
6. Grease the Pan: Grease your cake pan well to prevent sticking. Consider using parchment paper for easy removal.
7. Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents it from falling apart due to its moist nature.
8. Presentation: A light dusting of icing sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance to your French Apple Cake.
9. Serve Creatively: Enjoy the cake as it is, or experiment with serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. 1. How do I store leftover French Apple Cake? Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2-3 months.
2. 2. Can I use a different type of apple for the cake? Absolutely. While tart apples like Granny Smith work well, you can experiment with other varieties for different levels of sweetness and texture.
3. 3. Can I substitute whole milk with a dairy-free option? Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that the flavour and texture might vary slightly.
4. 4. How can I prevent the apple slices from sinking to the bottom of the cake? Tossing the apple slices in a bit of flour before arranging them on the batter can help prevent them from sinking during baking.
5. 5. Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion? Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. However, dust it with icing sugar just before serving for the best appearance.
6. 6. What can I serve with French Apple Cake? You can enjoy the cake on its own or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
7. 7. Can I use self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder? Yes, you can. If you opt for self-raising flour, you can omit the baking powder from the recipe.
8. 8. Can I add nuts to the cake for extra crunch? Absolutely. Chopped walnuts or pecans can be a great addition to the cake for added texture and flavour.
9. 9. Can I use a different type of spice instead of cinnamon? Certainly. Nutmeg or a combination of nutmeg and cloves can be used for a different spice profile.
10. 10. Can I make this cake gluten-free? You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. However, texture and taste might differ slightly.

These answers should cover some common queries about making and enjoying your French Apple Cake.