Classic French Apple Cake
A simple French Apple Cake with tender apples, vanilla, and dark rum. Buttery and light, this classic dessert is perfect for fall entertaining.
Servings: 6
Calories: 346kcal
Ingredients
- 2 apples
- 1 cup all-purpose flour plus more to flour the pan
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
- Peel apple and chop into roughly ¼-inch dice.
- Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl.
- In a larger bowl, combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Then mix in the vanilla extract and rum.
- Stir in the flour mixture until just combined, then fold in the chopped apples.
- The batter will be very thick, almost like cookie dough.
- Pour the batter into the springform pan and spread evenly.
- Bake 25-30 min, until a cake tester or toothpick comes out almost clean, and the top is nicely browned.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a short while (10–15 mins), then remove the outside ring and finish cooling on a rack or serve slightly warm.
- Dust with powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to garnish, if desired.
Notes
Storage Tips:
Store cake in springform pan covered with aluminum foil, or cut into slices and store in an airtight container. Cake will last for 3 days. For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator, or wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bring back to room temperature to serve.
Expert Tips:
Don’t over-mix once you add the flour; you want the cake to have a tender crumb, not tough.
¼-inch pieces for your apples give you enough structure so the pieces stay distinct, but still tender. You can thinly slice your apples if you prefer, but I like having little chunks of apple to bite into.
Baking time can vary depending on your oven and pan size — start checking at 25 mins if your oven tends to run hot.
Make sure to let the cake rest a little before slicing so that it can settle and firm up. That makes for prettier slices.
When you’re ready to serve, powdered sugar or whipped cream make a pretty topping. You can also serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 290mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 520IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg
