French Apple Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or any tart variety), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Slice the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and rum, if using.
Add Milk and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Layer the Apples: Arrange a layer of apple slices in a circular pattern on the bottom of the prepared pan. Pour half of the batter over the apples, spreading it evenly. Fold the remaining apple slices into the remaining batter and pour into the pan, spreading it evenly.
Add Topping: Brush the melted butter over the top of the cake and sprinkle with the sugar.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake and remove the sides of the springform pan. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
Serve: Serve the cake at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar if desired. This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success
Apple Variety: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
Rum: Adding rum gives the cake a rich, complex flavor, but it’s optional.
Baking Time: Check the cake at the 50-minute mark to prevent over-baking. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean.
Enjoy your homemade French Apple Cake! This dessert is sure to become a favorite with its delicious flavor and elegant appearance.