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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/french-apple-invisible-cake-recipe/