Thank you so much for being here—I’m thrilled to share this enchanting French Apple Cake recipe with you! This beautiful cake captures the rustic charm of a French orchard in every bite. If you love easy desserts that feel special, you’re in the right place. Don’t forget to subscribe for new recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
Overview of Recipe Content
This French Apple Cake is an ideal treat for brunch, tea time, or a cozy dessert after dinner. Soft, buttery, and tender, with tender apple chunks nestled inside—it strikes the perfect balance of sweet and subtly tart. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s both nourishing and nostalgic.
Why You’ll Love It
- Effortless yet elegant
- Warm apple flavor with a light rum undertone
- Just the right sweetness to please everyone
What It Tastes Like
A moist crumb with pockets of soft apple and a gentle kiss of vanilla, rum, and buttery richness.
Ingredients
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored & chopped
- 1¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 2 tbsp dark rum
- 100 g unsalted butter, melted & cooled
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Tools Needed
- 8–9″ (20–23 cm) round cake pan
- Mixer or whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula & measuring cups/spoons
Substitutions & Additions
- Use almond or oat milk if you prefer dairy-free
- Swap rum for brandy or skip it for a family-friendly version
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair
How to Make French Apple Cake
- Prep your pan & oven
Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour your cake pan. - Combine dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. - Beat eggs & sugar
In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy—this gives us the cake’s lovely rise! - Add flavorings
Stir in vanilla, milk, rum, and cooled melted butter until smooth and inviting. - Incorporate dry mix
Gradually fold in the flour mixture until just blended—be gentle to keep the cake tender. - Add apple
Gently fold in chopped apple, distributing it evenly throughout the batter. - Bake
Pour into the pan, level the top, and bake for ~45–55 min, or until a skewer comes out clean and the cake is golden brown. - Cool & finish
Let it cool 10 min in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
What to Serve with French Apple Cake
Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche. A cup of chamomile tea or a light dessert wine makes it even more special. For a brunch spread, serve alongside yogurt parfaits or a fresh fruit salad.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Use apples that hold shape for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix batter—gentle folding keeps the cake tender.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil mid-bake.
- Prep in advance: cake batter can sit in fridge up to 8 hrs; baked cake stays moist for 2–3 days when covered.
Storage Instructions
Wrap cooled cake in plastic or place in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced portions for up to 1 month—thaw overnight and warm before serving.
General Information
French Apple Cake have roots in rural French cooking, where autumn harvests triggered cozy baking traditions. The rum enhances the fruity aroma, giving a subtle boozy sophistication. This cake is perfect for early fall gatherings or any time you crave a slice of comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
2. My cake sank in the center—why?
Either it was underbaked or the apples were too heavy. Test doneness before removing.
3. Can I use apple sauce instead of chopped apple?
You may—but fresh chunks give better texture and apple flavor.
4. Can I swap the rum?
Simply replace rum with extra milk (½ cup + 2 tbsp milk) or use apple juice.
5. How large a pan do I need?
An 8–9″ round pan is ideal. For larger pans, adjust bake time accordingly.
Conclusion
There’s something delightfully magical about this French Apple Cake: straightforward, soulful, and perfect for sharing. Once you’re cradling a warm slice, you’ll feel those orchard vibes come alive!
Love apples? Try my Pecan Apple Streusel Muffins, Rustic Apple Galette, or Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake for more cozy comfort.
Thank you so much for baking with me—I’d adore seeing your creations! Leave a comment below and tag “poulefrecipe” on Pinterest and social media. Can’t wait to connect! ❤️
Interactive Elements
Would you share a photo of your cake? I’d love to feature you! Drop a star ⭐ rating, add a comment, or pin it on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (1 slice, 12 servings):Calories Fat Carbs Protein 220 kcal 10 g 30 g 4 g
Deliciously Moist French Apple Cake 🍏
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This moist and buttery French Apple Cake is rich with soft apple chunks and a hint of vanilla and rum. It’s the kind of rustic, simple dessert that makes you feel like you’re in a countryside kitchen in Normandy. Perfect for cozy afternoons, brunches, or just because!
Ingredients
3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and chopped
1¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
3 large eggs
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) whole milk
2 tbsp dark rum
100g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8–9″ round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
Stir in vanilla extract, milk, dark rum, and melted butter until smooth.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, swap the rum for extra milk or apple juice.
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more depth.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: French
