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Home » Recipes » Desserts - Dolci

Best French Apple Cake

Published: Apr 17, 2024 · Modified: Oct 14, 2024 by Marisa Franca · Leave a Comment

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Pinterest image with title overlay for French Apple Cake With Sugared Too.

French Apple Cake is a delicious twist to traditional apple pie, consisting of softened apple slices that are infused with brandy and baked in a buttery vanilla cake batter. Serve it with whipped cream, crème fraîche or ice cream.

Apple dessert with a wedge being removed from the cake round.
Bring a little taste of France into your home kitchen with this heavenly apple dessert.
Jump to:
  • 🗝️ Recipe's key points
  • 🛒 Ingredients
  • 🗒 Instructions
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 📚 Variations
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Tips
  • 🤔 FAQs
  • 📗 Related Recipes
  • 🍽 What to serve with Best French Apple Cake
  • 🔪 All Our Way recommends the following
  • 📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🗝️ Recipe's key points

  • This French apple cake is an incredibly simple dessert consisting of sweet sauteed apples baked in cake batter!
  • It's one of those cakes that can easily be enjoyed for a sweet breakfast or dessert.
  • Easily adapt this French apple cake with some simple ingredients swaps.

This simple and unassuming French Apple Cake with brandy-infused apple slices and butter vanilla cake batter is a truly scrumptious treat that everyone should try.

🛒 Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Image of the ingredients needed to make the French Style Apple Cake recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

🗒 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

The collage features the first four steps to making the base for the apple cake dessert.
  1. Preheat the oven at 375 degrees F with a rack in the middle position. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with butter, and then dust it evenly with flour. Tap out any excess flour and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Stir the heated butter until it becomes golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 1-3 minutes. 
  3. Pour the melted butter into a small heatproof bowl without scraping out the skillet. 
  4. Stir the allspice into the butter and set the bowl aside.
The second collage features steps five to eight for the apple dessert cake.
  1. Add all of the apple slices into the skillet with 2 tablespoons of the sugar and the salt and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until all of the moisture from the apples has evaporated and the slices are starting to brown. This will take about 12-15 minutes. 
  2. Add in the brandy and cook for 30-60 seconds, until evaporated. Transfer the apple slices to a large plate and spread them out evenly. Refrigerate the slices, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes so that they are cool to the touch. 
  3. Whisk the flour and baking powder in a small bowl. 
  4. Whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and 9 tablespoons of the remaining sugar in a large bowl.
Image with steps nine to twelve for the apple fruitcake dessert.
  1. Gradually whisk in the browned butter. Add the flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until smooth. The batter should be quite thick. 
  2. Add the cooled apple slices to the bowl and fold them into the batter until evenly coated. 
  3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread the mixture evenly. 
  4. Sprinkle the top of the batter with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar.
The collage features steps thirteen and fourteen for completing the apple cake recipe.
  1. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, until deeply browned. Let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours.
  2. Lightly dust the cooled cake with Confectioners sugar. Remove the cake from the pan by running a knife around the inside of the pan. Slice and enjoy!

🥫 Storage

Once completely cool, wrap the entire apple cake or leftover slices with plastic wrap and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

You can also freeze this French apple cake for up to 3 months, wrapped in plastic wrap and again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the cake and bring it to room temperature to enjoy.

📚 Variations

  • I use Granny Smith apples in this French apple cake recipe, but feel free to use your favorite kind. You could also use a combination of sweet apples and tart apples for a full, complex flavor.
  • I use a springform pan to bake this French apple cake, but you can use a regular cake pan. If you use a regular cake pan, make sure to remove parchment paper from the bottom and carefully flip the cake over so that it sits right-side-up on a cake stand or platter.
  • Experiment with pears or peaches as a delicious fruit alternative to apples in your cake.
  • Make gluten-free French apple cake with your favorite brand of gluten-free flour. Bob's Red Mill is a convenient 1:1 substitution.
  • Use rum extract or another dark alcohol, such as cognac or dark rum, instead of brandy.
A round apple cake made in the French way with a wedge cut and a spatula holding that piece.
Prepare your family and guests to be swept away by chunky, flavorful apples, delicate sweetness, and sheer taste sensation.

👩🏻‍🍳 Tips

  • The cake must be completely cool before you slice it or it will be overly soft in the center and will likely crumble apart.
  • Don't scrape the browned butter from the bottom of the skillet when you pour the butter into the small bowl. There should be a skim coat of butter in the skillet for the apple slices to cook in.
  • Conduct the toothpick test if you aren't sure whether your cake is completely done. If wet batter clings to the inserted and removed toothpick, the cake will need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven.

🤔 FAQs

What is the history of apple cake in France?

The exact history of French apple cake is hard to establish. What is agreed on from historical records of French culinary traditions is that baking with seasoning fruits was and remains common practice.

What is a French cake?

The term "French cake" can refer to a variety of cake recipes that are popular in French baking. Some of these cakes include layers of meringue, ganache, pastry cream, jam, or softened fruits, while others are as simple as plain vanilla sponge cake with a dusting of powdered sugar.

What is a substitute for dark rum in apple cake?

Rum extract is a good substitute for dark rum in apple cake. You will need 2 teaspoons of the extract for every 15ml of dark rum. Another dark liquor, such as cognac or brandy can also be used instead of dark rum.

Who is Dorie Greenspan?

Dorie Greenspan is a popular American author of cookbooks with an emphasis on baking, although she also cooks and writes about savory dishes. She is also famous for her French apple cake recipe, which is similar to this one.

An chunky apple cake wedge on a spatula ready to be served.
Each bite of this apple dessert reveals a delectable dance between moist cake, caramelized apples, and a sprinkle of sugary enchantment.

📗 Related Recipes

  • Old-Fashioned Homemade Apple Pie - If you're in the mood for a classic apple pie, this recipe isn't to be skipped! It boasts thin and soft apples slices with rich cinnamon sugar flavor, nestled on a refrigerated crust base, and topped with a pretty weaved crust - perfect for the holidays.
  • Easy Apple Dumplings - If an enclosed pastry is more in line with your cravings, these apple dumplings won't disappoint. The tender apples are wrapped in crescent rolls with a rich caramel sauce drizzle.
  • Caramel Apple Pie Bars - Enjoy all of the flavors of a traditional apple pie without any of the work that goes into making an entire pie!
  • Caramel Apple Pecan Ice Cream—This no-churn ice cream is two desserts in one. It's so easy and creamy that you'll want to have it on hand year-round.
  • Apple Pie Brioche Bread Pudding -- Discover the irresistible combination of apple pie brioche bread, and caramel bourbon sauce in this mouthwatering and comforting dessert.
A wedge of chunky apple cake on a white china plate.
This Apple Dessert boasts a tender crumb, an aromatic burst of apples, and a touch of magic that'll have you craving more!

🍽 What to serve with Best French Apple Cake

Serve this scrumptious French apple cake warm or at room temperature as is or with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I think you'll also love the flavor pairing of my Cinnamon Ice Cream or Caramel Apple Pie Ice Cream!

🔪 All Our Way recommends the following

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • 12-inch skillet
  • Dry measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Apple peeler and corer
  • Whisk

📞 Chiacchierata (chat)

Whenever you're ready to take your baking skills to the next level and impress your friends and family, this French cake recipe will do it. Picture this: sweet and tart apples nestled in a light and fluffy cake, with hints of allspice and vanilla dancing on your taste buds.

Remembering the deliciousness of this apple cake makes my mouth water. But the best part? It's easier to make than you think! Once you try it, you'll discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a masterpiece that will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this French Apple Cake dessert will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!

A fork mark on the French Apple Cake wedge.
Prepare to fall head over heels for this Dorie Greenspan-inspired Apple Cake.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

What's new? Check out my All Our Way Store on Amazon. We'll be adding more items we love and use or wish we had to make cooking fun and easy.

📖 Recipe

French Apple Cake with a wedge sliced from the round dessert.

Best French Apple Cake Recipe With Sugared Top

French Apple Cake is a delicious twist to traditional apple pie, consisting of softened apple slices that are infused with brandy and baked in a buttery vanilla cake batter. Serve with whipped cream, crème fraîche or ice cream.
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Apple dessert, Cake dessert
Cuisine: American-French
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Refrigerate: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 280kcal
Author: Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
As An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • 12-inch Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Dry measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Silicone spatula
  • Apple peeler and corer

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons salted butter 1 stick, plus more for pans
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1-½ pounds Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and cut into ¼-inch slices
  • 1 pound Braeburn or Golden Delicious apples peeled, cored and cut into ¼-inch slices
  • 12 tablespoons white sugar 149 grams white sugar, divided
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons brandy or Calvados
  • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour 95 grams, plus more for pans
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon confectioner's sugar optional
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 375ºF with a rack in the middle position.
    Coat a 9-inch springform pan with butter, dust evenly with flour, then tap out the excess.
  • Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high. Cook, swirling the pan frequently until the milk solids at the bottom are golden brown and the butter has a nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes.
    Pour into a small heatproof bowl without scraping out the skillet. ** see notes
    Stir the allspice into the butter and set aside.
  • Add all of the apples, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and salt to the still-hot skillet and set over medium-high.
    Cook, stirring occasionally, until all moisture released by the apples has evaporated and the slices are beginning to brown for 12 to 15 minutes.
    Add the brandy and cook until evaporated 30 to 60 seconds.
    Transfer to a large plate, spread in an even layer and refrigerate uncovered until cool to the touch, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
    In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, and 9 tablespoons of the remaining sugar.
    Gradually whisk in the browned butter. Add the flour mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until smooth; the batter will be very thick.
    Add the cooled apples and fold until evenly coated with batter.
    Transfer to the prepared pan, spread in an even layer and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.
  • Bake until deeply browned, 35 to 40 minutes.
    Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours.
    Lightly dust with Confectioners Sugar.
    Run a knife around the inside of the pan and remove the sides before slicing.

Notes

**Don’t use a spatula to scrape the browned butter from the skillet—pour it into the bowl. A coat of butter in the pan is needed for cooking the apples. 
Don’t slice the cake until it has fully cooled; if it is at all warm, the texture at the center will be too soft.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 253mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 456IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

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