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French apple cake (gâteau aux pommes) is a classic dessert recipe with a moist interior, tender apples, and a golden crust. It is the best apple cake you will ever taste. This French cake is perfect for breakfast, snack, and dessert.

French apple cake recipe : Moist, butter and simple apple cake for holiday or special occasions.

Simple apple cake recipe

French apple cake is simple to make, and its light and classic flavor makes it an ideal choice for family dinners and gatherings. It is also one of the best recipes to try when apples are in peak season during Fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for dessert or with a cup of coffee for breakfast or snack.

While you are here check out our popular cinnamon apple cake with crisp topping, apple coffee cake.

Ingredients

Apples: Any variety of apples will work, but for best results, use a mixture of sweet and tart, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious.

Flour: All-purpose flour works, keeping it light and tender.

French apple cake : Moist cake slice with tender apples and crisp golden crust. Best apple cake.

Eggs: For binding and moisture.

Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and gives a light texture.

Vanilla extract: For flavor. Traditionally, even dark rum is used.

Salt: If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.

Butter: Gives rich flavor and keeps the cake moist and buttery.

Check out the recipe card for the full list of the ingredients.

Step-by-step instructions

Cream together butter and sugar, mix dry ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C.
Grease an eight- or 9-inch baking pan, line it with parchment paper, and keep it aside.
Cream butter and sugar in a bowl for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until light and creamy for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add flour and baking powder and whisk until combined. Do not overmix.
Scrape the sides using a spatula.

Making of French apple cake batter without rum.

In a bowl, add apples and lemon juice and toss until combined.
Add this to the batter and mix well using a spatula.
Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Spread the batter evenly and level off the top. Sprinkle sugar on top.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let this cool on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes.
Sprinkle powdered sugar if desired.

Classic French apple cake recipe : Perfect fall and winter baking recipe.

Tips

You can store the cake at room temperature for 2 days or in an airtight conatiner in a refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To avoid the cake from becoming dense, never overmix the batter.
Instead of lemon juice, vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be added.
This French apple cake is without rum. However, you can add 3 tablespoon dark rum of your choice to the recipe if you're interested.
I have not peeled the apples. It is optional.
If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt.

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Recipe card