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French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 140 reviews

This French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate and light dessert that masterfully combines thinly sliced apples with a subtle, fluffy batter. Named ‘invisible’ due to its nearly transparent layers of apple, this cake offers a tender texture and balanced sweetness, topped with toasted almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Perfect for an afternoon tea or a sophisticated dessert, it highlights the natural flavors of crisp apples wrapped in a gentle vanilla-infused batter.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

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

Batter

  • 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

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 available for uniform thinness. Set the sliced apples aside in a large bowl to prepare for folding into the batter.
  2. Make Egg and Sugar Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring good incorporation of air into the batter.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the egg mixture, add the melted unsalted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well to create a smooth, combined wet base for the batter.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually whisk these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
  5. Fold Apples into Batter: Gently fold the thin apple slices into the batter carefully to coat each slice. The batter will be thin; aim to layer the apples so they are just bound together without clumping, preserving the ‘invisible’ layer effect.
  6. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf or square pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cake removal.
  7. Assemble Cake: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to arrange apples neatly in layers for an even distribution and aesthetic presentation.
  8. Add Topping: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top to provide a crunchy contrast once baked.
  9. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is set and cooked through. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with minimal moist crumbs.
  10. Cool and Finish: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. Cooling helps the cake hold its shape when sliced. Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin apple slices to ensure even baking and the signature ‘invisible’ layers.
  • Choose crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious to provide texture and natural sweetness.
  • Let the cake cool thoroughly before slicing to prevent it from falling apart due to its thin batter and apple layers.
  • If desired, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free variation, though this may slightly alter texture.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: French apple cake, invisible apple cake, layered apple dessert, almond topping cake, light apple cake, elegant dessert

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