French Apple Cake

4.9
(78)
74 Reviews
27 Photos

This French apple cake is incredibly delicious. France is famous for its fabulously fancy pastries and baked goods, so you might get some skeptic looks when you tell them that this is your favorite apple cake – but trust me – this simple, rustic, easy to make cake is absolutely amazing.

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on June 21, 2024
27
French apple cake dusted with powdered sugar with one piece missing
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Cool Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 45 mins
Servings:
8
Jump to Nutrition Facts

When you think of French cakes, you think “fabulous, fancy, and flamboyant”. France turned making pastries and baked goods into an art form, but in addition to the showstoppers you see in the pâtisserie window, the country is also known for its simple and rustic desserts. This humble, but amazing, French Apple Cake is my favorite.  

Notes From the Chef

This cake is so easy to make and, unlike some versions, is surprisingly light. Even though we’re using lots of apples, the texture is not dense and heavy, which is sometimes the case with this type of cake. Here are some tips to get you started: 

  • The secret is: There is no secret. Just measure carefully, take your time mixing in the eggs, and don’t over bake it. When a toothpick or skewer comes out clean, your cake is done, and you can move on to the real challenge with this recipe, which is what to serve with it. 
  • I went with a simple rum-scented whipped cream, but vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, custard, or a salted caramel sauce would all be spectacular. 

But, whether you use one of those classic pairings or simply eat a slice as-is, this is a perfect fall dessert, and I really do hope you give it a try soon. Enjoy! 

More recipes: Try the latest and greatest recipes from Chef John!

Ingredients

  • 3 large baking apples (such as Honeycrisp)

  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 cup all purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 1/2 cup white sugar

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 3 tablespoons dark rum

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 3 tablespoons white sugar for the top

  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.

  2. Peel (or leave skin on) and core apples; cut into cubes between 1/4 and 3/8-inch in size. A little smaller is okay, but if your cubes are any larger, they won’t get tender enough when baked.  Add to a large bowl and toss with apple cider vinegar.

  3. Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.

  4. In another bowl, beat butter, 1/2 cup white sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 egg on high speed until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add the second egg and repeat. Mix in rum, vanilla extract, and 1/2 of the flour mixture.  When the flour disappears add the rest, and fold in with a spatula.

  5. Fold in apples until evenly mixed into the batter. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, making sure all the batter is pressed in firmly. Smooth top and dust with remaining 3 tablespoons sugar.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.

  7. Remove cake from oven and let cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Invert cooled cake onto a wire rack, place a serving plate on top, and flip back over. Dust top with powdered sugar and serve.

    French apple cake dusted with powdered sugar with one piece missing

    Chef John

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

287 Calories
13g Fat
38g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 287
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g 17%
Saturated Fat 8g 38%
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Sodium 240mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 24g
Protein 3g 7%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 53mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 116mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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