| Preparation time | 20 min |
| Cooking Time | 50 min |
| Ready In | 1 h 10 min |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 8 |
This dessert has earned a special place in French patisseries and home kitchens for generations, and it's cherished for its simple yet elegant flavors and textures.
At the heart of this cake are fresh, crisp apples, often Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which are thinly sliced or diced to enhance the cake's overall texture and flavor. These apples bring a delightful tartness and a subtle sweetness to the cake, making it a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
The cake batter itself is a combination of basic baking ingredients, including all-purpose flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. A touch of baking powder provides a gentle lift, creating a tender crumb that complements the apple slices. Vanilla extract or a hint of lemon zest may be added for extra depth of flavor.
The preparation of this French classic is relatively straightforward. First, the apples are peeled, cored, and sliced or diced to uniform thickness. They are then often tossed with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes a splash of Calvados, an apple brandy, for a hint of sophistication. This mixture of apples is layered within a buttered and floured cake pan or mold, creating a beautiful mosaic of fruit.
Next, the batter is gently poured over the apple arrangement, allowing it to seep down between the slices. As the cake bakes, the batter melds with the apples, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures. The result is a cake that is moist, fragrant, and rich with apple goodness.
Once baked to a golden perfection, the French apple cake is often dusted with powdered sugar, adding an elegant touch to its rustic charm. It's typically served warm, allowing the aromas of baked apples and spices to envelop the senses.
The beauty of this classic French apple cake lies in its ability to evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Whether enjoyed on a crisp autumn day with a cup of tea or served as a dessert after a hearty French meal, this cake encapsulates the essence of French cuisine—simple yet sophisticated, and deeply satisfying.
In conclusion, a classic French apple cake is a time-honored treat that celebrates the bountiful harvest of apples and the art of French baking. Its delicate balance of sweet and tart, along with its rustic appearance, makes it a cherished dessert that continues to capture the hearts and palates of those who savor its timeless flavors.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. You can also chop them into small cubes if you prefer. Set them aside.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the melted and cooled butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture, and stir until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) into the wet mixture until you have a smooth batter.
- Layer the Apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange a layer of apple slices on top of the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter over the apples. Top the cake with the rest of the apple slices.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.
- Optional Dusting: Once the cake is completely cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a nice finishing touch.
- Serve: Slice and serve your delicious French apple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.
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