French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe

Introduction

The French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate, tender dessert that highlights thinly sliced apples layered in a light, airy batter. With its subtle sweetness and beautiful presentation, it’s a charming treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)
• 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
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds (for topping)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly using a mandoline if possible. Set the slices aside in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until you have a smooth batter.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the thin apple slices into the batter, making sure all slices are coated. The batter will be thin, just enough to bind the apples together.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or square baking pan with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan. Press lightly to arrange the apples into neat layers.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly on top of the cake mixture.
9. Step 9: Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cake is set.
10. Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing, which helps it hold its shape. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mandoline for uniformly thin apple slices, which creates the signature layered effect.
• Try different apple varieties or a mix for varied flavors and textures.
• For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice note.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in a microwave or enjoy cold. It can also be frozen; wrap well and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or firm peaches can be good substitutes, but be sure to slice them thinly and adjust baking time as needed.

Why is the cake called “invisible”?

It’s called “invisible” because the thin, layered apple slices blend seamlessly into the batter, creating a delicate, almost translucent texture when baked.

French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate, layered dessert made by thinly slicing apples and gently coating them in a light batter, then baking until golden and tender. The cake is moist, subtly sweet, and features layers of softly cooked apples that almost disappear into the cake, giving it its unique name. Topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is perfect for an elegant yet simple treat.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Fruit

• 6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Topping

• 2 tbsp sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly using a mandoline if possible to achieve uniform thin slices. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and set aside.
2. Mix Eggs and Sugars: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a delicate crumb.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract into the egg-sugar mixture and mix well to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to avoid lumps. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients while whisking continuously until a smooth batter forms.
5. Incorporate Apples: Gently fold the thinly sliced apples into the batter, ensuring each slice is coated lightly. The batter will be thin, so handle carefully to keep the layers distinct.
6. Prepare Pan: Preheat the 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-batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to arrange the apples in nice, neat layers to maintain the ‘invisible’ layered effect.
8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the cake is golden brown on top and set in the center (a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs).
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan so it holds together well when sliced. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a classic touch.

Notes

• Use firm, crisp apples to maintain texture and prevent the cake from becoming mushy.
• Thin slicing of apples is critical to achieve the distinctive layered and ‘invisible’ effect.
• The cake is delicate; let it cool fully before slicing to retain its structure.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: French apple cake, invisible cake, apple dessert, layered apple cake, baked apple cake