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Apple Cake Recipe

Apple Cake Recipe

A simple French-inspired apple cake made with tart baking apples, buttery batter, and a touch of vanilla and rum. Perfect for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 279
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tbsp for topping
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons dark rum or substitute apple juice or milk
  • 2 medium baking apples peeled, cored, and chopped (3½ to 4 cups)
  • confectioners' sugar optional, for dusting

Equipment

  • 9-inch cake pan or springform pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake or springform pan. If using a regular pan, line bottom with parchment and grease again.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl or mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and rum (or apple juice).
  5. Add dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in chopped apples with a rubber spatula.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  8. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Let cool in pan, then remove. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

Use firm, tart baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for best results. The cake keeps well at room temperature for 2 days or can be frozen up to 3 months.