Easy French Apple Cake: Your Go-To Recipe for a Moist & Flavorful Delight
Indulge in the simple elegance of this French Apple Cake, a truly delightful dessert that combines a tender, moist crumb with generous chunks of sweet apples. This recipe stands out not only for its incredible flavor and perfect texture, but also for its remarkable ease of preparation. Crafted to be made in just one bowl, it’s a fuss-free baking project that yields impressive results every time. Infused with both applesauce and fresh apple pieces, every bite offers a balanced symphony of fruity goodness, making it an ideal treat for any time of year, especially during the cozy fall and winter months.
This classic recipe was first shared in June 2019 and received a fresh update with new photos and detailed tips in August 2022, ensuring you have the best baking experience.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy French Apple Cake
There’s nothing quite like a cake recipe that promises both incredible flavor and effortless preparation, and this French Apple Cake delivers on both fronts. Imagine whipping up a delicious dessert that requires minimal cleanup – essentially just one bowl and a whisk! You can have this delightful cake ready to serve in less than an hour, making it perfect for last-minute guests or an impromptu treat.
This Apple Cake is renowned for its light, tender, and incredibly moist crumb, a characteristic achieved through the clever use of applesauce in the batter. But the apple goodness doesn’t stop there; it’s generously studded with fresh apple chunks, creating a beautiful contrast of textures and an explosion of natural apple flavor in every bite. It’s truly a celebration of apples, making it an indispensable part of your fall and winter baking repertoire.
Beyond being a perfect dessert, this versatile cake is fantastic for afternoon tea, a sweet breakfast indulgence, or even a comforting addition to a brunch spread. Its rustic charm and inviting aroma will make it a household favorite. If you appreciate the simplicity and deliciousness of French baking, you’ll also adore our French Chocolate Fondant Cake or the incredibly adaptable French Yogurt Cake.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Apple Cake
This delightful French Apple Cake is crafted from a selection of basic, readily available ingredients. While simple, each component plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature taste and texture. (For precise quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.)
- Apples: The star of our cake! You’ll need 2 to 3 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small, even chunks. The variety you choose can significantly impact the final flavor and texture of your cake. For the best results, opt for apples that hold their shape well during baking and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Popular choices include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter note. We’ll delve deeper into apple varieties in the FAQ section below.
- Eggs: Use medium to large eggs, and ensure they are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender cake structure. They contribute to the cake’s lift and moisture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter, melted and then allowed to cool slightly, adds richness and a beautiful, moist texture to the cake. If you’re looking to make this cake dairy-free, a neutral-flavored oil like canola oil or vegetable oil can be successfully substituted for the butter, though it might slightly alter the cake’s overall flavor and texture profile.
- Applesauce: This is a crucial ingredient for imparting deep apple flavor and ensuring an incredibly moist crumb. While a good quality store-bought applesauce is perfectly fine (preferably one with no added sugar or low sugar), making your homemade applesauce will always yield the most vibrant and fresh flavors. I typically use smooth applesauce, but a slightly chunky version works wonderfully too, adding another layer of texture.
- Flour: Standard Plain or All-Purpose Flour forms the structure of our cake. For convenience, you can substitute it with the same quantity of Self-Rising Flour; just remember to omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe if you do.
- Brown Sugar: Instead of white sugar, we opt for brown sugar here. Its molasses content adds a deeper, more complex caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with apples, and it also contributes to the cake’s wonderful moisture.
- Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, responsible for giving the cake its lovely rise and light texture. Ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Salt: A small pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors in the cake.
Optional Additions to Elevate Your French Apple Cake
While delicious on its own, a few optional ingredients can further enhance the flavor and appeal of your apple cake:
- Spices: A touch of Ground Cinnamon is a classic pairing with apples and is highly recommended. You can also experiment with other warm spices such as a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, or even cardamom for a more exotic twist. These spices deepen the cake’s flavor profile, especially for a comforting fall or winter bake.
- Rum or Brandy: For an authentic French touch, many traditional recipes often include a tablespoon or two of Rum. This adds a sophisticated warmth and a subtle alcoholic note that beautifully complements the apples. If you’re not a fan of rum, Brandy is another excellent alternative that provides a similar depth of flavor. This addition is entirely optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a hint of spirit in your baked goods.
- Vanilla Extract or Paste: A dash of pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste can significantly enhance the overall aroma and flavor of the cake, adding a sweet, creamy undertone that harmonizes with the apples.
- Crunchy Topping: To give your cake a delightful textural contrast and a beautiful finish, consider sprinkling some flaked almonds and raw sugar (like Demerara sugar) over the top before baking. The almonds toast beautifully, and the raw sugar creates a caramelized, crunchy crust that is simply irresistible.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Irresistible French Apple Cake
Creating this French Apple Cake is a straightforward process, making it a joy for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly moist and flavorful cake.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to melt your butter and set it aside to cool completely. If you’re using homemade applesauce, preparing it in advance and chilling it in the fridge will streamline your baking process.
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Next, prepare a 24 cm (9.5-inch) springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with baking paper or parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with soft butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your cake releases easily after baking.
- Photo 1: Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and then finely dice your chosen apples into small, uniform chunks. Set these aside; they’ll be folded into the batter later. You can choose to cut them slightly larger for more textural contrast once baked.
- Photo 2: Combine Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl – this is your one-bowl wonder! – combine the room temperature eggs and brown sugar.
- Photo 3: Whisk Until Bubbly: Using a whisk, beat the eggs and brown sugar together vigorously for a couple of minutes until the mixture becomes very light, pale, and noticeably bubbly or foamy. This step is crucial; don’t skip it! Beating air into the eggs and sugar creates a stable base that helps the cake rise and contributes significantly to its incredibly light and moist texture.
- Photo 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the cooled melted butter and applesauce to the egg mixture. Continue to whisk until all the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Photo 5: Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the plain/all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the optional ground cinnamon. For an even smoother batter and to prevent lumps, you can sift these dry ingredients directly over the wet mixture.
- Photo 6: Mix Until Just Combined: Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet until they are *just* combined. You should have a smooth, thick batter. It’s vital to stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour are visible to avoid over-working the cake batter, which can lead to a tough and dry cake.
- Photo 7: Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the cubed apples using a spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. Optionally, reserve about a quarter of the apple chunks to arrange decoratively on top of the cake before baking, adding a beautiful visual appeal.
- Photo 8: Transfer to Pan: Pour the French apple cake batter into your prepared springform pan. Use a silicone or rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Optional Topping: If you reserved some apple chunks, scatter them over the top of the batter. For an added crunch and a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some flaked almonds and raw sugar over the surface.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer or the tip of a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges of the cake should be lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool down completely in the pan. Allowing it to cool fully before removing it prevents the cake from breaking or sticking. Before serving, a light dusting of icing sugar (powdered sugar) adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Apple Cake
The type of apple you select will subtly influence the flavor profile and sweetness level of your cake, as well as its texture. Whether you prefer a sweeter, softer apple or a tart, crisp one, this recipe is adaptable to many varieties. For optimal results, choose apples that retain some structure when baked and offer a balanced flavor. Excellent choices include:
- Granny Smith: For a tart flavor that perfectly cuts through the cake’s sweetness.
- Honeycrisp & Jonagold: Offer a sweet-tart balance and hold their shape beautifully.
- Braeburn & Mutsu (Crispin): Provide a firm texture and a good balance of sweet and tangy notes.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) & Winesap: Known for their crispness and delightful sweet-tart flavor, similar to what I used in this recipe.
For more in-depth information on selecting the perfect fruit, you can explore our guide on the Best Apples for Baking.
Yes, with a few modifications, you can adapt this recipe to fit dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free: For a similar, delicious gluten-free version, I recommend checking out my dedicated Gluten-Free Apple Cake recipe, which provides specific ingredient ratios and baking instructions tailored for gluten-free flours.
- Dairy-Free: To make this French Apple Cake dairy-free, simply substitute the melted unsalted butter with an equal amount of neutral-flavored cooking oil, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or a light olive oil. Please note that using oil instead of butter may result in a slightly different taste and a marginally less rich texture, but the cake will still be wonderfully moist and flavorful.
This versatile cake can be enjoyed in numerous ways, whether warm or completely cooled. It’s absolutely delicious served simply on its own, allowing the pure apple flavors to shine. However, for an extra treat, consider pairing it with:
- A scoop of creamy Vanilla Ice Cream, which beautifully melts into the warm cake.
- A dollop of freshly Whipped Cream for a touch of light indulgence.
- Extra Applesauce or a decadent Apple Curd to intensify the apple experience.
- Some caramelized apples for added richness and a gourmet touch.
For a unique twist and different flavor combinations, you could also serve it alongside:
- A side of tender Stewed Pears.
- A vibrant Strawberry Coulis for a fruity, tangy contrast.
- A sweet and slightly tart Blueberry Compote.
This recipe is designed for a 24 cm (9.5-inch) springform pan. If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and require a longer baking time. Conversely, a larger pan will result in a thinner cake that bakes more quickly. Always keep an eye on the cake and use the skewer test for doneness, adjusting baking time as needed. For different pan sizes, you might need to adjust the recipe quantities proportionally to maintain the desired thickness and texture.
Expert Tips for a Flawless French Apple Cake
Achieving the perfect French Apple Cake is easy with these helpful tips:
- Vary Your Apple Chunk Sizes: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the size of your diced apples. Smaller chunks will soften considerably during baking, almost melting into the cake, while larger cubes will retain a slight bite, creating a wonderful contrast in texture that makes each mouthful more interesting.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until they are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a cake with a tough, dense, and dry texture instead of the desired light and moist crumb.
- Combine Apple Varieties for Complex Flavor: For a truly dynamic flavor profile, consider using two different varieties of apples instead of just one. For example, pair a sweet apple like Honeycrisp with a tart one like Granny Smith. This combination will introduce layers of flavor that make the cake more complex and intriguing.
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: As mentioned earlier, using room temperature eggs and applesauce allows them to emulsify more smoothly with the melted butter, creating a cohesive batter. This leads to a more uniform cake texture and a better rise.
- Don’t Open the Oven Door Too Early: Resist the urge to peek at your cake during the first 20-25 minutes of baking. Opening the oven door too early can cause the cake to cool down rapidly and deflate, resulting in a dense center.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: While tempting to slice into a warm cake, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling allows the cake’s structure to set, preventing it from crumbling. It also helps the moisture redistribute evenly, ensuring a perfectly tender slice.
Storing & Freezing Your French Apple Cake
Proper storage ensures your delicious French Apple Cake stays fresh and moist for as long as possible:
- Room Temperature Storage: Keep this French Apple Cake at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container or tightly covered with aluminum foil. It will remain wonderfully fresh and moist for up to 3 days. After this period, it might start to dry out slightly, but will still be delicious.
- Refrigeration: While the cake will last for a few more days in the fridge (up to 5 days total), refrigeration can sometimes cause baked goods to become a bit drier. If you prefer to refrigerate, you can easily reheat individual slices for a few seconds in the microwave before eating to restore some of its initial moistness.
- Freezing for Longer Preservation: This cake freezes beautifully! To freeze, first ensure the cake has cooled down completely to room temperature. Then, wrap it securely with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Thawing Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, simply thaw the cake for a few hours at room temperature, or transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Discover More Delicious Apple Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of apple in this cake, you’ll be delighted to explore more of our favorite apple-infused creations. From cozy loaves to elegant tarts, there’s an apple dessert for every occasion:
- Apple Loaf Cake: Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Upside Down Apple Cake: A stunning dessert with caramelized apples.
- Apple and Almond Cake: A wonderfully moist and fragrant cake, often gluten-free.
- Puff Pastry Apple Tartlets: Quick, easy, and elegant individual servings.
- French Apple Tart: A classic, simple, and elegant French dessert.
- Apple Crumble Cheesecake: A decadent fusion of two favorite desserts.
- Easy Apple Galette: A rustic and beautiful free-form tart, enhanced with applesauce.
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Recipe Card
Easy French Apple Cake
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Large Apples
- 2 Eggs, at room temperature
- 80 gr (1/3 cup) Brown Sugar
- 120 gr (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 120 gr (1/2 cup) Applesauce, preferably unsweetened
- 150 gr (1 cup) Plain / All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, optional
- 1 pinch Salt
- Flaked Almond, optional, to taste
- Raw Sugar, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven on 180’C / 350’F. Line the bottom of a 24 cm (9-inch) Springform Pan and lightly grease the sides.
- Melt the Butter in the microwave and set aside to cool down.
- Peel, Core and Cut the Apples into small cubes. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the Eggs and Brown Sugar until foamy. Add the melted Butter and Applesauce (see note 1) and whisk until combined.
- Mix in the Flour, Baking Powder, Cinnamon and Salt. Stop whisking as soon as combined (see note 2).
- Fold in the apples (see note 3). Pour into the prepare Springform Pan and spread the mixture around.
- Optionally, top with some Flaked Almond and Raw Sugar.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool down completely before removing from the pan and serving.
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Notes
- You can also add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Rum or Brandy to the cake batter along with the melted Butter and Applesauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- For a lump-free batter, you can mix all the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl first, and then sift them into the bowl with the wet ingredients.
- Optionally, keep about 1/4 of the cubed apples and arrange them decoratively on top of the cake batter just before baking for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition (per serving)