Name: French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 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 (for topping); Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Introduction

The French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate dessert that showcases thinly sliced apples enveloped in a light, fluffy batter. Its name comes from the “invisible” layers of apples that create a tender, moist cake perfect for autumn or anytime you crave a simple fruit dessert.

A close-up of a thick square slice of apple cake on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The cake has multiple thin apple layers stacked inside with a golden brown crust on top. The top layer is topped with sliced almonds and a light dusting of powdered sugar, giving a soft white contrast to the warm colors. The texture looks soft and creamy inside with a slightly crispy 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. Using a mandoline slicer will help achieve uniform slices. Place sliced apples in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and stir until combined.
Step 4: Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then whisk everything until the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Gently fold the apple slices into the batter, coating them evenly. The batter will be quite thin, as it just lightly holds the apples together.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 7: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to layer the apples neatly.
Step 8: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 9: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set in the middle.
Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps it hold together better. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

Using a mandoline ensures even apple slices, which helps the cake bake uniformly and achieve the signature “invisible” appearance.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Substitute half of the whole milk with yogurt or crème fraîche for extra moistness and tang.
If you prefer, swap sliced almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days and let it come to room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds if desired.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square piece of dessert showing many thin, soft layers of pale yellow baked dough and apple slices tightly stacked inside. The top layer is golden brown with toasted almond slices scattered on it and dusted with white powdered sugar. At the bottom corner, creamy light-colored custard is oozing out slightly. The dessert is placed on a wooden board with more powdered sugar around it, set on a white marbled surface. Another similar piece is seen blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, any firm and crisp apple variety works well. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast to the sweetness, while sweeter apples make the cake milder.

What makes this cake “invisible”?

The “invisible” name refers to the thin layers of apple slices that blend seamlessly into the batter, creating a cake where the fruit seems almost invisible but provides moistness and flavor.