Name: French Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned into measuring cup and leveled off); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature; ⅔ cup granulated sugar (plus more for sprinkling over cake); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons dark rum; 2 medium baking apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 2½ cups); Confectioners’ sugar, for decorating the cake

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 34 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s cozy, comforting, and packed with tender, sweet apple goodness, this French Apple Cake Recipe is a total winner. It’s a delightful blend of tender cake studded with juicy cubes of baking apples, boasting just the right hint of vanilla and a splash of dark rum to elevate its flavor. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this cake brings a touch of rustic French charm to your kitchen with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a white marbled surface, there are two large clear glass jars filled with white powders, one containing flour with a large metal scoop inside, and the other filled with sugar stacked behind two large red and yellow apples. In front of the jars, from left to right, there is a white container of baking powder, a clear glass bowl with powdered sugar, a small beige bowl with salt, two brown eggs lying side by side, a stick of butter wrapped in white paper with blue and red text, a small clear glass pitcher filled with golden liquid, and a brown bottle of vanilla extract. The background is white tiled. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this French Apple Cake Recipe is surprisingly straightforward thanks to a handful of simple, essential ingredients. Each plays a key role, from lending moisture and sweetness to delivering that tender crumb and delightful texture.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tender moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and creates a lovely caramelized crust when sprinkled on top.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and help with rise; added one at a time for perfect incorporation.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite.
Dark rum: A subtle, aromatic touch that makes this cake uniquely special.
Baking apples: Peeled, cored, and cubed for bursts of tender, juicy fruit throughout.
Confectioners’ sugar: Optional for a pretty dusting that adds a delicate sweetness.

How to Make French Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle. Grease a 9-inch cake pan—whether springform or regular—and if you don’t have a springform, line the bottom with parchment paper then grease again for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise consistently.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Using a mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale—about three minutes. This step is crucial for a light texture and tender crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate eggs, vanilla, and rum

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition and scraping down the sides so everything blends smoothly. Follow with the vanilla and dark rum for that characteristic flavor. Don’t worry if the batter looks a bit curdled here—that’s normal and won’t affect the final result.

Step 5: Add dry ingredients and fold in apples

Slowly mix in your flour mixture at low speed until just combined. Then gently fold in the cubed apples with a spatula, distributing them evenly without overmixing.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, level the top, and sprinkle with a tablespoon of granulated sugar for a sweet, crisp topping. Bake for about 40 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a rack in the pan before carefully removing.

How to Serve French Apple Cake Recipe

A round baked dessert with a golden brown, slightly cracked top layer that looks light and fluffy, inside a dark grey baking pan. The dessert has small patches of lighter cream color peeking through the top layer. The baking pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of confectioners’ sugar makes this cake look effortlessly elegant and adds a touch of delicate sweetness. For an extra treat, serve with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the cake’s warm, spiced notes.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a brunch twist, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or even a dollop of crème fraîche to balance sweetness with creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the French Apple Cake Recipe into small squares or wedges and layering them with applesauce and whipped cream in pretty glass jars for a charming parfait. Alternatively, serve warm slices drizzled with caramel sauce and sprinkled with toasted nuts for a decadent finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your French Apple Cake will keep well covered at room temperature for up to two days—perfect for enjoying a slice over a couple of afternoons. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve moisture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring out that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a low oven at 300°F until warmed through. This refreshes the cake’s softness and enhances the rich apple aroma.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! Baking apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape and add a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture in this recipe, but if you like a bit more rustic bite and extra fiber, you can leave the skins on—just make sure to scrub them well first.

What if I don’t have dark rum on hand?

You can easily substitute with apple cider, orange juice, or even a splash of brandy. The rum adds a lovely depth, but the cake will still taste wonderful without it.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, you can adapt this French Apple Cake Recipe for gluten-free diets. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Is this cake better served warm or cold?

This cake is delicious both ways! Warm slices are cozy and comforting, especially with ice cream, while room temperature slices let the flavors meld beautifully, making it a versatile treat.

Final Thoughts

This French Apple Cake Recipe is genuinely one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With its tender crumb, luscious apple chunks, and just the right touch of sweetness and warmth, it’s destined to become a new favorite. Go ahead and try it—you’ll be delighted by how easy it is to create such a classic, crowd-pleasing cake right in your own kitchen.