Apple Cake Recipe (A French Classic)

Apple cake is one of those timeless desserts that combines rustic charm with bakery-level flavor. With chunks of tart baking apples folded into a buttery, tender cake infused with vanilla and a hint of dark rum, this French-inspired apple cake is as comforting as it is elegant. Whether served for dessert, with afternoon tea, or as a cozy breakfast treat, this simple cake never fails to impress.

You don’t need any fancy techniques — just good apples, basic ingredients, and a springform pan. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to favorite, especially in the fall when apples are at their peak.

🍎 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant yet easy: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
• French bakery vibes: Inspired by classic French home baking.
• Perfect texture: Buttery and moist, thanks to chunks of real apples.
• Crowd-pleaser: Great for brunch, dessert, or gifting.
• Flexible: Substitute the rum or adjust the sweetness to your taste.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for topping)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons dark rum (or apple cider/milk)
• 2 medium baking apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

Optional:

• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan (or regular cake pan with parchment lining).
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl using a mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add eggs and flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and rum (or substitute). It may look slightly curdled — that’s fine.
5. Combine wet and dry: Add the flour mixture and mix just until combined.
6. Fold in apples: Gently stir in the chopped apples with a spatula.
7. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar for a crisp crust.
8. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan on a rack.
9. Serve: Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving, if desired. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

🕒 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Easy
• Storage: 2 days at room temp or freeze up to 3 months

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 279
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sugar: 22g
• Cholesterol: 77mg
• Sodium: 66mg
• Fiber: 2g

💡 Tips & Variations

• Apple variety: Use a mix like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp for depth of flavor.
• Alcohol-free: Replace rum with apple juice or milk.
• Extra texture: Add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds.
• Serving ideas: Try with cinnamon whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Apple Cake Recipe

This buttery French apple cake is filled with chunks of tart apples and finished with a crisp sugar crust. Easy and elegant for any time of day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 279 kcal

Equipment

• – 9-inch springform or cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

  

• **Dry:**
• – 1 cup all-purpose flour
• – 1 tsp baking powder
• – ¼ tsp salt
• **Wet:**
• – ½ cup unsalted butter room temp
• – ⅔ cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp for topping
• – 2 large eggs
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – 3 tbsp dark rum or apple juice/cider
• **Add-ins:**
• – 2 medium baking apples peeled and diced
• – Optional: Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform or lined cake pan.
• Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
• In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and rum.
• Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Fold in diced apples with a spatula.
• Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar on top.
• Bake 40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool, then dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.

Notes

– Store at room temp for 2 days.
– Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
– Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Keyword Apple Cake Recipe

❓ FAQs

Can I make this apple cake ahead of time?
Yes! It stays fresh for 2 days at room temperature. It also freezes well.

Do I need a springform pan?
It’s preferred for easy removal, but a standard 9-inch cake pan with parchment works too.

Can I omit the rum?
Definitely. Apple cider, milk, or even orange juice can work as substitutes.

🎉 Conclusion

This apple cake recipe is a beautiful example of simple, honest baking. With tender apples, buttery crumb, and just a hint of warmth from rum or vanilla, it’s a cake that feels both nostalgic and refined. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or a quiet morning at home, this cake brings a little bit of French patisserie into your kitchen.