French Apple Cake Recipe: A Simple Yet Elegant Dessert
Are you looking for a delightful dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this classic French apple cake recipe! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a moist and flavorful cake that's sure to impress your friends and family. Get ready to savor the delicate balance of sweet apples and a subtly spiced cake.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering French apple cake:
Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures easy removal of the cake once baked.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the leavening agents for a light and fluffy texture.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with ¼ cup sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This creates a flavorful and moist apple filling.
Assembling & Baking the Cake:
- Layer the Apples: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly. Top with the apple mixture, spreading it evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and allows it to cool evenly.
Tips for the Perfect French Apple Cake:
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serving Suggestions: Dust with powdered sugar, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with a caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
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This recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!
