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; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

The French Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate, tender dessert that showcases thinly sliced apples layered with a light batter. This cake is wonderfully moist and bursting with fresh apple flavor, making it a perfect treat for any season.

A close-up of a square slice of layered apple cake resting on a wooden board with powdered sugar scattered around. The cake has several thin layers of pale yellow apple slices visible from the side, stacked closely together. On top, a golden-brown baked crust is sprinkled generously with sliced almonds and dusted with white powdered sugar. A creamy filling slightly oozes out from the bottom side, adding a soft texture contrast. The background is softly blurred, showing more cake pieces. The image has warm lighting with a white marbled texture surface underneath. 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 if possible. Place the slices in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Whisk gently until the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Carefully fold the apple slices into the batter, ensuring each slice is coated. The batter will be thin as it only lightly binds the apples.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf or square pan with parchment paper.
Step 7: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to arrange the apples into neat layers.
Step 8: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 9: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set in the center.
Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing to help it hold together. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a mandoline slicer to ensure uniformly thin apple slices for even baking and a tender texture.
Try mixing different apple varieties for a blend of sweet and tart flavors.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced note.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to regain some warmth. This cake can also be enjoyed cold, as the flavors develop even more.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square slice of layered apple cake on a wooden board, showing many thin, pale yellow apple slices stacked tightly inside with a slightly golden brown top layer covered in thin almond slices and a dusting of powdered sugar. The cake looks moist and soft with a creamy filling oozing from the bottom right corner. The background has a blurred part of the cake and a pink cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or firm peaches can be used as alternatives. Just make sure to slice them thinly to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.

Why is it called an “invisible” cake?

The name comes from the thin layers of apples that blend seamlessly into the batter, making the fruits almost “invisible” within the cake while providing wonderful flavor and moisture.