Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic)

With tart, juicy apples baked into a buttery, golden cake and a whisper of rum for depth, this Apple Cake Recipe captures everything we love about fall. It’s tender, lightly crisp on top, and so comforting — perfect for dessert, an afternoon coffee break, or even breakfast (yes, really!).

A Taste of France in Every Slice 🍏

During the summer after my junior year of college, I spent a few months in Paris as an au pair for a family with three little boys. My host mother, Valérie, loved to cook and would often invite me to join her in the kitchen after the children went to bed. Among her collection of recipes, her French apple cake quickly became my favorite.

It was simple, rustic, and full of flavor — the kind of dessert that doesn’t need frosting or fancy toppings to impress. Moist chunks of apple melt into a buttery rum-scented batter, creating a cake that’s both elegant and homey. Like many traditional French sweets (think clafoutis, madeleines, or crêpes), it’s effortlessly delicious and perfect with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

“I entered this cake in our county fair and won first place — twice! It’s now a family tradition.”
— Kelly

What You’ll Need for This Apple Cake Recipe

🧂 All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure while keeping it soft and tender.
🥄 Baking powder: Adds lift and a light, airy texture.
🧈 Unsalted butter: Brings rich flavor and moisture.
🍬 Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and adds a crisp golden crust.
🥚 Eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a smooth batter.
🍷 Dark rum & vanilla extract: Provide a warm, aromatic note — replace the rum with apple juice, cider, or milk if you prefer.
🍎 Baking apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Combining different apples adds wonderful flavor depth.
❄️ Confectioners’ sugar (optional): For a pretty finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Add the flavoring

Mix in the vanilla extract and rum (or your chosen substitute). The batter may look slightly curdled — that’s normal!

Step 5: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Step 6: Fold in the apples

Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Prepare the pan

Grease a 9-inch springform pan (or a round cake pan lined with parchment). Pour in the batter and smooth the top. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the surface.

Step 8: Bake to perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, until golden and crisp on top. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy plain, with whipped cream, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

More Delicious Apple Desserts 🍏

• Perfect Apple Pie – a timeless favorite with flaky crust.
• French Apple Tart – elegant and buttery.
• Apple Strudel – flaky layers filled with spiced apples.
• Apple Cobbler – cozy and comforting, with a golden biscuit topping.

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