Apple Cake

Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic)

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Apple cake is one of those timeless desserts that never goes out of style. This French-inspired version is tender, buttery, and bursting with chunks of tart apples in every bite. Whether you’re serving it with coffee in the afternoon or finishing off a cozy dinner, this apple cake will quickly become a fall favorite. With a simple batter, warm notes of vanilla and rum (or apple cider, if you prefer), and a crisp golden top, it’s proof that less truly is more when it comes to classic baking.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 🍏 Rich with Apples: Every slice is packed with sweet-tart apple chunks
  • 🧈 Buttery & Moist: A soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth
  • 👩‍🍳 Simple to Make: No complex techniques or tools required
  • 🍂 Perfect for Fall: The ideal cake for apple season
  • ☕ Versatile: Serve it for dessert, snack, or even breakfast

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 tbsp for topping
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons dark rum (or substitute with milk, apple juice, or cider)
  • 2 baking apples (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
  • Optional: confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan or a standard cake pan lined with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar
    In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs & Flavoring
    Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and rum. Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled.
  5. Combine Wet & Dry
    Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  6. Fold in Apples
    Gently fold in the chopped apples with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  7. Bake the Cake
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the surface. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool & Serve
    Let the cake cool in the pan. If using a springform pan, release the sides. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Serve plain or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Details

Apple Cake this recipe
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 8 slices

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 279 kcal
  • Carbs: 35g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 77mg
  • Sodium: 66mg

Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on the type of apples and butter used.

Tips & Variations

  • 🍏 Best Apples to Use: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, or a mix for balanced flavor
  • 🥃 No Rum? No Problem! Substitute with apple cider, juice, or milk
  • ❄️ Make Ahead: Keeps well at room temp for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months
  • 🍨 Serving Ideas: Add whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon
  • 🍰 Pan Tips: Use parchment for easy removal if using a standard cake pan
Apple Cake

Apple Cake Recipe

This buttery French apple cake is full of tender apple chunks and warm vanilla flavor. A rustic and elegant dessert perfect for fall.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 279
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • – 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • – 1 tsp baking powder
  • – ¼ tsp salt
  • – ½ cup unsalted butter room temp
  • – ⅔ cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp for topping
  • – 2 large eggs
  • – 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • – 3 tbsp dark rum or apple juice/cider
  • – 2 baking apples peeled & chopped
  • – Optional: confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • – 9-inch cake or springform pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform or lined cake pan.
  2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and rum.
  5. Mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
  6. Fold in apples.
  7. Pour into pan. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp sugar.
  8. Bake 40–45 minutes. Cool. Dust with sugar if desired.

Notes

– Use tart baking apples for best results
– Substitute rum with cider or milk if needed
– Cake freezes well

FAQs

Can I skip the rum?
Absolutely! Replace it with apple juice, cider, or milk for a family-friendly version.

What’s the best way to store it?
Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze.

Can I use other fruits?
Yes! Try pears for a twist, or mix in some cranberries for a holiday variation.

Does this cake rise a lot?
It rises modestly and forms a nice crisp top, thanks to the sugar sprinkle.

Conclusion

This classic apple cake is elegant, simple, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee, it brings that rustic French bakery charm to your kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple for fall baking—and beyond.

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