Easy French Apple Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and effortlessly impressive, let me introduce you to this Easy French Apple Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake balances tender, moist crumb with juicy apple chunks—you’ll find it’s just the kind of baked good that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon tea or a special occasion, this recipe has become my go-to, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Easy French Apple Cake Recipe, you’ll want fresh, crisp apples and simple kitchen staples that combine magically for a tender cake. I like to choose apples that hold their shape well so you get those delightful apple bites in every slice.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake; makes the crumb tender yet sturdy enough.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully without being overly fluffy.
• Kosher salt: Just a touch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Large eggs: Bring structure and richness—room temperature eggs mix better for a smooth batter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to create that lovely golden crust.
• Rum: Adds a subtle depth and warmth—you can swap for apple juice if you prefer.
• Vanilla extract: A classic flavor booster that plays well with apple.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, it makes the cake irresistibly rich and moist.
• Apples: About 5 to 6 medium-sized—peeled, cored, and diced for even bursts of fruit in each bite.
• Confectioners sugar (optional): For that pretty, delicate dusting before serving.

Variations

I love that this Easy French Apple Cake Recipe is endlessly adaptable. Over the years, I’ve played around with different flavor twists and even made it to suit dietary preferences—feel free to get creative to make it your own.

• Spiced Apple Cake: When I first tried adding cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, it transformed this into an autumnal dream—give it a shot!
• Alcohol-Free Version: Swap rum for apple juice or even a splash of vanilla almond milk if you want to keep it family-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: I experimented with a GF flour blend once, and while it changes the texture slightly, it still turned out delicious.
• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch—I toss them in when folding in the apples.

How to Make Easy French Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Oven

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing 5 to 6 medium apples into roughly half-inch cubes. I usually grab a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji because they don’t turn mushy in the oven. Then preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper to make removing the cake a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. This ensures even distribution so your cake rises evenly and has just the right hint of saltiness to balance sweetness.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together 2 large eggs (room temp), 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons rum, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until combined and slightly frothy. I find that whisking these together first helps incorporate air and makes the batter lighter.

Step 4: Combine Batter Gently

Add half the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and whisk to combine. Then pour in 10 tablespoons of melted and cooled unsalted butter and whisk again. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and stir just until a few streaks of flour remain—overmixing can make the cake tough, so be gentle here!

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Bake

Using a rubber spatula, fold diced apples into the batter evenly but carefully. Spread the batter into your prepared springform pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Bake for about 1 hour or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s ready when the cake looks set but still moist.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before releasing the springform. If you like, dust the top lightly with confectioners sugar just before serving for a pretty finishing touch.

How to Serve Easy French Apple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of confectioners sugar—that classic look never fails to impress. Sometimes, I dollop a spoonful of crème fraîche or lightly whipped cream on the side, which adds a creamy contrast to the tender cake.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small cup of hot tea makes for a cozy treat. My family also loves it alongside a warm chai latte—there’s just something about the spices in chai that complement the apples perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged slices on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary—it adds a lovely, earthy aroma and makes for a stunning presentation that guests always ask about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps wonderfully moist, so I usually store leftovers at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days. After that, it holds up well in the fridge for up to 5 days without drying out.

Freezing

I discovered that freezing this apple cake in individual slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, works great for long-term storage—up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, and it tastes almost as fresh as the day you baked it!

Reheating

When reheating, I pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore softness and bring out those apple flavors. A quick sprinkle of powdered sugar after warming makes it feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy French Apple Cake Recipe is truly one of those timeless classics that’s as simple as it is satisfying. It’s a recipe I’ve made countless times, each batch reminding me of cozy afternoons and happy gatherings. If you try it, I know you’ll enjoy the warm, tender bites bursting with apples just as much as my family does. Trust me, once this cake is in your repertoire, it’ll become a beloved staple for years to come!

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