Description
This Invisible Apple Cake is a delightfully light and moist dessert made with thinly sliced apples mixed into a delicate batter. The apples bake within the cake, creating a subtle sweetness and tender texture that makes this cake almost ‘invisible’ in the crumb. Topped with toasted almond flakes and a sprinkle of cinnamon, it’s perfect for a comforting treat or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Apples
- 25 oz (700g) apples (about 4–5 medium apples like Golden or Gala)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp (30g) butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (60g) flour
- 1 tsp (4g) baking powder
- 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
Toppings and Optional
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Almond flakes (optional, for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Slice the Apples Thinly: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly, ideally using a mandoline for uniform slices about 2 mm thick, which will help them blend seamlessly into the cake batter.
- Mix Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes light and foamy, approximately 5 minutes, which adds air and lightness to the cake.
- Add Melted Butter: Stir in the melted butter carefully to maintain the aerated texture of the batter.
- Incorporate Milk: Add the milk to the mixture and whisk until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and avoid lumps.
- Combine Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, preserving the batter’s lightness.
- Fold in Apple Slices: Add the thinly sliced apples to the batter. Gently fold them in until the slices are evenly coated with the batter, ensuring the apples are well distributed.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the apple batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top for added warmth and flavor.
- Add Almond Flakes: Scatter lightly toasted almond flakes on top of the cake for a crunchy texture and nutty aroma.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The cake may still be slightly moist inside from the apples, which is expected.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps set the cake structure.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the cake with powdered sugar for a finishing touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Using a mandoline for slicing apples ensures even thickness and helps the apples cook uniformly.
- The cake will remain slightly moist inside due to the thin apple slices—this is normal for an invisible apple cake.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a less sweet or sweeter cake.
- To toast almond flakes, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes or until golden brown.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- The cake is best enjoyed fresh but can also be reheated briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French