This French Apple Cake is moist, buttery, and filled with tender apple chunks that melt in your mouth. There’s something incredibly comforting about baking with apples, especially when the recipe is simple yet feels luxurious.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, need a cozy fall dessert, or just want a sweet afternoon treat with your coffee, this easy French Apple Cake is sure to impress.
Why We Love This French Apple Cake
- Incredibly Easy. No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques required.
- Elegant Yet Rustic. Looks beautiful on a plate but feels like home.
- Perfect Texture. Moist and tender with bits of soft apple in every bite.
- Deliciously Versatile. Great with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Best French Apple Cake an Easy & Impressive Dessert
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 4 Medium Apples crisp apples, we love a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady (about 4 cups)
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 Cup Butter 2 sticks at room temperature
- 4 Tablespoons Dark Rum Optional, but traditional
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar plus more for dusting
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting once cooled.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 2 9-inch springform pans or a 9 X 13-inch cake pan.
- Peel and Dice the Apples into small chunks (about 1/2-inch). Set aside.4 Medium Apples
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.4 Large Eggs, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- Stir in melted butter, vanilla, and rum until combined.1 Cup Butter, 4 Tablespoons Dark Rum, 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until no dry streaks remain.2 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fold in the apple chunks gently with a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with about 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting once cooled.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful served slightly warm or at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A spoonful of whipped cream
- Paired with coffee, cider, or dessert wine
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour goes in. Just until it’s incorporated.
- Let the cake cool before slicing so it holds together well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4–5 days.
Recipe Variations for French Apple Cake
One of the best things about this French Apple Cake is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re using what’s on hand or adding a personal twist, here are some easy ways to make it your own:
Swap the Rum for Amaretto
Looking for a warmer, nuttier flavor? Substitute the dark rum with Amaretto. This sweet almond liqueur pairs beautifully with crisp apples, giving the cake a subtle marzipan-like aroma. A great twist for the holidays or a special occasion!
Add a Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Before baking, sprinkle the top with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a crunchy, golden crust. It adds a little extra sweetness and a classic apple-pie vibe.
Brown the Butter
Instead of melting the unsalted butter normally, brown it in a small pan before adding it to the batter. It brings a rich, nutty depth that really elevates the whole cake.
Add Nuts for Crunch
Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture. Toast them first for maximum flavor.
Try Pears Instead of Apples
Out of apples? This cake works beautifully with ripe but firm pears. Bosc or Anjou pears are best since they hold up well while baking.
Add Chocolate Chips
Not traditional, but mini chocolate chips add little bursts of sweetness. Especially fun if you’re baking with kids.
Make It Dairy-Free
Swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based milk wash on top (optional) for a fully dairy-free version.
Best Apples for French Apple Cake
Using the right apples makes all the difference in texture and flavor. Here are some top choices:
🍏 Granny Smith
- Flavor: Tart and crisp
- Why it’s great: Holds its shape well and balances the sweetness of the cake
🍎 Honeycrisp
- Flavor: Sweet-tart with a juicy crunch
- Why it’s great: Adds bright apple flavor and keeps a nice texture
🍎 Braeburn
- Flavor: Mildly sweet with a hint of spice
- Why it’s great: Bakes evenly without turning mushy
🍏 Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)
- Flavor: Sweet-tart and crisp
- Why it’s great: Holds up beautifully and adds complex flavor
🍎 Fuji or Gala
- Flavor: Sweet and juicy
- Why they’re great: Blend well with tart apples for a more mellow cake
Tip: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) adds depth and contrast to every bite!
Can I Freeze French Apple Cake?
Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature or gently rewarm in the microwave or oven.
Delicious Homemade Cake Recipe
This French Apple Cake is proof that simple ingredients can make something truly special. With its tender crumb, sweet apples, and a touch of rum, it’s the kind of dessert that becomes a seasonal favorite. Or an anytime classic. If you’re looking for an easy apple dessert that looks like it came from a French bakery, this is it.
My family loved this!