Name: French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
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; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Introduction

French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate, buttery dessert that showcases thinly sliced apples baked between layers of light batter. Its unique texture makes the fruit appear “invisible,” offering a beautifully balanced and subtly sweet treat perfect for any occasion.

A close-up view of a square piece of layered apple cake sitting on a wooden board. The cake has many thin layers of soft yellow apples stacked inside and a golden-brown crust on top. The top is sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with light brown sliced almonds. Rich creamy filling is slightly oozing from the bottom edge. The background shows a blurred second piece of cake on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly. A mandoline slicer works best for uniform slices. Place the slices in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the batter until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5: Gently fold the apple slices into the batter, ensuring all slices are coated. The batter will be thin; apples should be layered with just enough batter to hold them together.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf or square pan with parchment paper.
Step 7: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan. Press lightly to arrange the apples in neat layers for an even bake.
Step 8: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 9: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set.
Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This helps the cake hold together. Before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar.

Tips & Variations

Try using different apple varieties to experiment with sweetness and tartness—Granny Smith adds a nice tang.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Swap sliced almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store the apple invisible cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving to regain a soft texture. This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

A square piece of layered custard apple cake sits on a wooden board with a white marbled texture beneath. The cake shows multiple thin, light yellow layers of soft, moist cake folded neatly with a creamy filling oozing slightly from the bottom edge. The top layer is golden brown with light browning, sprinkled generously with sliced almonds and powdered sugar that scatters lightly around the board. The texture on top looks slightly crisp with the softness of the inner layers visible through the cut side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What makes this cake “invisible”?

The name comes from the thinly sliced apples layered with a very thin batter, which creates a cake where the fruit is the star and almost looks like it’s invisible within the soft, delicate texture.

Can I use other fruits besides apples?

Yes, pears or firm peaches can be substituted using the same slicing technique, though baking times may vary slightly. Choose fruits that hold their shape well when thinly sliced.