Delicious and Easy French Apple Cake Recipe for Home Bakers

French Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of apples and the elegance of French baking. This cake is known for its moist texture, rich apple flavor, and a hint of spice that makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this cake is sure to impress with its deliciously tender crumb and aromatic sweetness.

The beauty of French Apple Cake lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a cake that’s both flavorful and impressive. The combination of fresh apples, a touch of cinnamon, and a light batter makes for a cake that’s not only easy to make but also a joy to eat. This recipe will guide you through the steps of creating a perfect French Apple Cake, ensuring that it turns out beautifully every time.

Ingredients for French Apple Cake

• 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Choose firm apples that will hold their shape during baking.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the apples.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with the cake’s structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure and texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for leavening.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the apples.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup milk: Provides moisture to the batter and helps achieve the right consistency.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a pleasant crunch and additional flavor.

How to Make French Apple Cake

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help ensure that the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Apples Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. You can use a paring knife or an apple slicer for this step. Set the sliced apples aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
7. Fold in the Apples Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage as well.
8. Pour Batter into the Pan Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure even baking.
9. Bake the Cake Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
10. Cool and Serve Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve it plain.

About the Main Ingredients

• Apples: Apples provide the primary flavor and texture in the cake. Opt for varieties that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apples as they bake. It also contributes to the cake’s overall moistness.
• Butter: Provides richness and moisture. Softened butter is essential for creaming with sugar and creating a light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake. They also contribute to the cake’s texture and moisture.
• Flour: The main dry ingredient that gives the cake its structure. All-purpose flour is typically used for its balance of protein and starch.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy. They react with the acidic ingredients (like apples) to create air bubbles in the batter.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the apples and enhances the overall taste of the cake.
• Milk: Provides moisture to the batter and helps achieve the right consistency. It also helps to dissolve the dry ingredients and create a smooth batter.
• Nuts (optional): Add a pleasant crunch and additional flavor. Walnuts or pecans are commonly used, but you can omit them if preferred.

This Easy French Apple Cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious and comforting dessert that’s both simple to make and delightful to eat. Enjoy baking and sharing this classic treat with family and friends!