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French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe

4.8 from 85 reviews

French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate and moist dessert featuring thinly sliced apples layered in a light, fluffy batter. This traditional French treat offers a perfect balance of sweet apples and subtle vanilla, topped with crunchy almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar for added charm.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (for topping)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly using a mandoline slicer if available. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and set aside.
  2. Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale in color.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix well to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the batter until smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the thin apple slices into the batter, ensuring all slices are coated. The batter will be thin, and the apples should be layered just enough to be bound by the batter.
  6. Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Assemble Cake: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to neatly arrange apples in layered formations for an even structure.
  8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture after baking.
  9. Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set when gently touched.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing to help it hold its shape. Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use a sharp mandoline slicer for uniformly thin apple slices to ensure even baking.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its delicate layered texture.
  • Choose crisp, firm apples for the best texture and flavor in the cake.
  • This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives.

Keywords: French apple cake, invisible apple cake, thin apple slices dessert, French dessert, baked apple cake, layered apple cake, almond topping cake