French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe

Introduction

The French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate, moist dessert featuring thinly sliced apples layered within a light batter. Its name comes from the way the apples blend seamlessly with the cake, creating a subtly sweet treat that feels almost ethereal. Perfect for apple lovers looking for a refined yet simple dessert.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds (for topping)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and slice apples very thinly (using a mandoline if possible). Place the slices in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix well.
4. Step 4: Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the thin apple slices into the batter until all are coated. The batter should be thin and just enough to bind the apples together.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf or square pan and line it with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to arrange apples in neat layers.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly on top of the cake.
9. Step 9: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set in the center.
10. Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to help it hold together. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandoline to slice apples evenly and thinly for the best texture and appearance.
• Substitute walnuts or pecans for almonds if desired for a different crunch.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.
• Try mixing pear slices with apples for a variation on the classic.

Storage

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving if preferred warm. The cake may become a bit denser when chilled but remains delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, though firmer, crisp apples like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp work best to maintain texture and flavor. Softer varieties may result in a mushier cake.

Why is it called an “invisible” cake?

The name comes from the way the thin apple slices blend seamlessly into the batter, making the fruit almost “invisible” within the cake layers when sliced.

French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate and elegant dessert featuring ultra-thinly sliced apples layered in a light, tender batter. This cake is baked to a golden perfection with a subtle vanilla aroma, topped with toasted almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s a surprisingly light treat that highlights the natural sweetness and texture of crisp apples, making it ideal for a cozy afternoon tea or a refined dessert.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit

• 6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)

Batter

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Toppings

• 2 tbsp sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Prepare apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly, ideally using a mandoline for uniform slices. Place the slices in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Mix eggs and sugars: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
3. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, then whisk this into the wet mixture until you have a smooth batter.
5. Combine apples and batter: Gently fold the thin apple slices into the batter, making sure each slice is coated. The batter should be thin, allowing the apples to be layered with just enough batter to hold them together.
6. Prepare pan and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal later.
7. Assemble the cake: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan. Press lightly to arrange the apples into neat, even layers for an elegant presentation.
8. Add topping: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly on top of the apple layered batter to add a subtle crunch and toasted flavor.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and set in the middle. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
10. Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Cooling helps the cake hold together well when sliced. Once cool, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Use firm, crisp apples to keep slices intact and add a subtle tartness.
• Using a mandoline slicer ensures extremely thin, even apple slices crucial for the cake’s texture.
• Letting the cake cool completely before slicing prevents it from falling apart.
• You can substitute almond slices with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different crunchy texture.
• For a gluten-free version, try using an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.

Keywords: French apple invisible cake, apple cake, fruit cake, elegant dessert, thin apple slices, baked apple cake, almond topping, vanilla apple cake