Ingredients for French Apple Invisible Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful French Apple Invisible Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: Six medium apples, preferably firm varieties like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. Their crispness adds a lovely texture.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the ingredients together, giving the cake its structure.
- Granulated Sugar: A quarter cup of granulated sugar sweetens the batter, balancing the tartness of the apples.
- Brown Sugar: Two tablespoons of brown sugar add a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Half a cup of flour is essential for creating the cake’s light texture.
- Baking Powder: A half teaspoon of baking powder helps the cake rise, making it fluffy and airy.
- Whole Milk: Half a cup of whole milk adds moisture, ensuring the cake remains tender.
- Unsalted Butter: Two tablespoons of melted butter enrich the batter, giving it a lovely flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon of vanilla extract infuses the cake with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Sliced Almonds: Two tablespoons for topping add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting before serving, it adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties or even add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm twist!
How to Make French Apple Invisible Cake
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful French Apple Invisible Cake. Each step is simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples very thinly. I highly recommend using a mandoline for this task. It ensures uniform slices, which helps the apples cook evenly. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife will do, but be careful! Once sliced, place the apples in a large bowl and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In another bowl, whisk the eggs with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making the cake light. Next, add the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until combined. The aroma of vanilla will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bakery!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to sift in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting helps to avoid lumps and ensures a smooth batter. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth consistency. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thin; that’s exactly what we want!
Step 4: Fold in Apples
Gently fold the thinly sliced apples into the batter. Make sure every slice is well-coated. This is where the magic happens! The apples should be layered with just enough batter to bind them together. You want to see those beautiful apple slices peeking through!
Step 5: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and line a loaf pan or square pan with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake later. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of this deliciousness!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to arrange the apples in neat layers. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top for that extra crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan. This step is essential for maintaining its structure. If you slice it too soon, it might fall apart. After it’s cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your slice of French Apple Invisible Cake!