Description
This cozy French apple cake features tender chunks of apple nestled in a buttery, vanilla-scented batter with a hint of rum. It’s simple, unfussy, and perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tbsp dark rum (optional, substitute apple juice if needed)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 medium apples (about 1 lb/450g), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch chunks (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 tbsp turbinado or raw sugar
- Optional: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with butter or nonstick spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2-inch chunks. Toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning (optional).
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, rum (or apple juice), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet mixture and stir just until combined; do not overmix.
- Gently fold chopped apples into the batter with a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle turbinado sugar and cinnamon (if using) evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge, release springform, and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Serve slightly warm or at room temperature. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter. If the cake seems too wet, bake an extra 5-10 minutes. Let cool completely for clean slices. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple cake, French dessert, fall baking, cozy cake, easy apple cake, autumn recipe, classic cake, brunch, comfort food