Easy French Apple Cake (Incredibly Moist Recipe)

There is a special kind of magic in a simple, homemade cake, especially one that celebrates the beauty of seasonal fruit. In a world of towering, multi-layered creations, the humble single-layer cake can sometimes be overlooked. But what if I told you that the most unassuming cake could also be the most spectacular one you’ve ever baked?

This is that cake. Inspired by a classic French baking style, this rustic apple cake is a true celebration of the apple. It’s an incredibly simple, buttery cake that is absolutely loaded with tender chunks of fresh apple—so much so that it’s almost more apple than cake! The result is an unbelievably moist, flavour-packed dessert with a rich crumb, a hint of rum, and a beautiful, caramelized top. Prepare to be amazed by the elegance of simplicity.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

This cake comes together with a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. The key is to use firm baking apples that will hold their shape and provide the perfect texture.

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
All-purpose flour, spooned and leveled	1 cup (125 g)
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Fine sea salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter, at room temperature	½ cup (1 stick / 115 g)
Granulated sugar	⅔ cup (133 g), plus more for sprinkling
Large eggs, at room temperature	2
Pure vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Dark rum	3 tablespoons
Firm baking apples	2 large (3½ to 4 cups chopped)
Confectioners’ sugar (optional)	For decorating

Timing

This beautiful cake is surprisingly quick to put together, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert or a cozy afternoon baking project.

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly moist and delicious apple cake. The technique is straightforward and yields a beautiful, rustic result every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

First, get your oven ready for baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan. For easy removal, you can also line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper and butter the parchment. Set the prepared pan aside.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients now ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which is essential for a proper rise and balanced flavour.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and the ⅔ cup of granulated sugar together on medium-high speed. Continue creaming for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Rum

Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until it is fully incorporated. Once the eggs are mixed in, beat in the vanilla extract and the dark rum. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, which is perfectly normal.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, and Fold in the Apples

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix only until the last streaks of flour have just disappeared. Be very careful not to overmix the batter. Finally, using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the 3½ to 4 cups of chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the thick batter.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Scrape the batter into your prepared cake pan and use the spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the top of the batter generously with an additional 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will create a wonderfully crisp and slightly caramelized crust as it bakes. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is a deep golden brown and a wooden skewer or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, run a thin knife around the edges of the pan and carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, you can give it a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per slice, assuming the cake is cut into 10 slices.

• Calories: 295 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g (Sugar: 25 g)
• Fat: 13 g (Saturated Fat: 8 g)

Healthier Alternatives

While this is a classic buttery cake, here are a few simple swaps you can make:

• Add Whole Grains: For a nuttier flavour and more fiber, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour or spelt flour.
• Alcohol-Free Version: If you prefer to make this apple cake without alcohol, you can easily replace the 3 tablespoons of dark rum with an equal amount of apple juice, milk, or even spiced apple cider.
• Reduce Sugar: You can slightly reduce the granulated sugar in the batter to ½ cup if you are using very sweet apples.

Serving Suggestions

This rustic apple cake is absolutely stunning on its own, but it can also be dressed up for a more decadent dessert.

• Simply Perfect: The cake is incredibly moist and flavourful enough to be served as is, in generous slices. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• A La Mode: For a classic and irresistible dessert, serve a warm slice of the apple cake with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream.
• With Cream or Caramel: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a spoonful of crème fraîche, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce are all heavenly additions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these tips to ensure your apple cake turns out perfectly moist and delicious every time.

• Using the Wrong Type of Apple: Soft, mealy apples (like Red Delicious) will break down into a mushy, watery texture when baked.
  • Solution: Always use a firm, crisp baking apple that holds its shape well. Excellent choices include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Gala, or Jonagold.
• Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the flour, mixing too much develops the gluten, which can make your cake tough and dense instead of tender.
  • Solution: Mix the dry ingredients in on the lowest speed and stop as soon as the flour is no longer visible. Finish incorporating everything by gently folding with a spatula.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and eggs don’t emulsify properly, which can result in a heavy, greasy cake crumb.
  • Solution: Let your butter and eggs sit on the counter for about an hour to come to room temperature before you begin baking. This small step makes a huge difference in the final texture.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake stores beautifully, and its flavour and moisture are just as good, if not better, on the second day.

• Storing: Store the cooled cake tightly covered with plastic wrap or under a cake dome at room temperature for up to 3 days. Due to the high moisture content from the apples, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days to extend its freshness.
• Freezing: This apple cake freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire cake (or individual slices) tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy French Apple Cake is a beautiful reminder that the most memorable desserts are often the simplest. The rich, buttery batter provides the perfect backdrop for an abundance of tender, sweet apples, creating a cake that is unbelievably moist and packed with rustic charm. It’s a foolproof recipe that is elegant enough for a special occasion but easy enough for any day of the week.

We are so excited for you to fill your home with the wonderful aroma of this baking cake. Give this recipe a try and let us know how much you love it in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more simple and delicious baking inspiration.

FAQs

Q1. What are the best apples to use for this apple cake recipe?

The best apples are firm, crisp varieties that hold their shape during baking. Great choices include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith (for a tarter flavour), Jonagold, and Gala.

Q2. Can I add spices like cinnamon to this cake?

Absolutely! While the classic French version is beautiful on its own, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg whisked in with your dry ingredients would be a delicious, cozy addition.

Q3. Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes, you certainly can. You can replace the 3 tablespoons of dark rum with an equal amount of apple juice, milk, or even spiced apple cider for a slightly different but still delicious flavour.