Easy French Apple Cake Recipe in Under 20-Min (2025)
If fall had a flavor, this cake would be it. Warm apples, buttery vanilla, and a hint of dark rum – this French Apple Cake is pure comfort wrapped in a golden crust. Whether you’re baking for guests or simply craving something cozy, this cake delivers every time.
In this detailed and friendly step-by-step guide, we’re taking you from apple prep to final slice. All inspired by a nostalgic French-style recipe passed down from a beloved home kitchen.
It’s buttery. It’s light. And it might just become your new favorite fall dessert.
🍎 Why You’ll Love This French Apple Cake
This cake is everything you want in a cozy dessert: simple, rustic, and bursting with apples. But what makes it stand out? It’s the way the apples and batter come together: the cake is so light, it’s almost like a custard holding together layers of tender fruit.
You get a contrast of textures in every bite, soft, buttery crumb mixed with juicy apples that still have a bit of bite.
There’s also no complicated prep. You don’t need a mixer, and the batter comes together in under 10 minutes. It’s a no-fuss dessert that’s still elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or a fall brunch.
And let’s talk about the flavor: deep vanilla, a hint of dark rum, and real butter come together to give it that cozy, bakery-style depth.
The alcohol bakes off, leaving behind a warm, rich aroma that pairs perfectly with the apples. Whether you eat it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with ice cream, it’s the kind of dessert that gets devoured every time.
🇫🇷 What Makes It “French”?
Why is this called a French apple cake? Especially when it doesn’t look like a fancy tart or layered gâteau.
The answer lies in its ingredients and simplicity. French baking is often less about bold spices and more about highlighting the natural flavor of high-quality ingredients.
In contrast to American apple cakes, which typically include cinnamon, nutmeg, and a thicker, bread-like texture, this French version is:
- Light and custardy, with just a whisper of flour
- Flavored with dark rum and vanilla instead of spices
- Packed with butter for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb
- All about the apples, they’re the star of the show.
This cake originated from a family recipe, passed down through generations. The baker grew up with it, and it became a family tradition. And that’s part of what makes it so special: it feels homemade, nostalgic, and timeless.
If you’re used to heavily spiced fall desserts, this cake will surprise you with its clean, buttery apple-forward flavor. It’s understated, yet somehow unforgettable.
📋 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this soft, buttery French apple cake. The recipe is beautifully simple—no fancy tools or exotic ingredients.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | 3 large (about 1 lb) | Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for texture |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (113g), melted | Use salted if needed; just reduce added salt slightly |
| Eggs | 2 large, room temperature | Room temp helps the batter come together smoothly |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup (150g) | Adds sweetness and structure |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup (120g) | Keeps the crumb soft and light |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Helps puff up the cake gently |
| Sea salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances the sweetness; sea salt gives a mellow flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon (15ml) | Adds warmth and depth |
| Dark rum | ¼ cup (60ml) | Optional but highly recommended for flavor complexity |
| Extra apple slices (optional) | Handful | For decorating the top of the cake |
| Melted butter (optional) | 1 tablespoon | To brush over decorative apple slices before baking |
| Sugar (optional) | 1 tablespoon | For sprinkling on top before baking for a golden finish |
| Powdered sugar (optional) | For dusting | Adds a pretty, bakery-style finish after baking |
✅ Tip: Don’t skip the parchment paper lining. It ensures your delicate cake comes out of the pan easily.
👩🍳 How to Make This Easy Apple Cake Step by Step
This French Apple Cake is all about simplicity. You don’t need fancy mixers or professional skills, just a few bowls, a whisk, and a little love. Let’s walk through each step in detail so you can confidently whip up this cozy, apple-packed treat.
🥣 Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Let’s get things started right!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. This cake comes together quickly, so preheating is key. No one wants to be stuck waiting around with a batter-ready pan and a cold oven.
Now, grab a 9-inch springform pan. If you don’t have one, a standard round cake pan will also work. Just be sure to:
- Grease the sides and bottom with a bit of butter.
- Cut a circle of parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan.
Why the parchment? This cake is ultra-delicate. The parchment makes sure your cake releases easily without sticking or tearing.
Set your prepared pan aside; we’ll come back to it soon.
🍏 Step 2: Peel and Chop the Apples
This cake is apple-forward, meaning the fruit takes center stage. You’ll need about 3 large apples, which equals around 1 pound once peeled and chopped.
Best apple choices:
- Granny Smith – tart and firm; great for those who like a tangy bite.
- Honeycrisp – sweet with a snappy texture; holds its shape beautifully.
Here’s how to prep them:
- Peel the apples completely. While some recipes keep the skin, this one skips it. Apple peels can get tough and chewy after baking.
- Core and chop into roughly ½-inch cubes or thin slices.
Want a prettier look? Use slices instead of cubes and reserve a few to layer on top. It adds a rustic, bakery-style touch.
Once chopped, set aside a small handful of your prettiest slices for topping. The rest? They’re going straight into the batter soon.
🧁 Step 3: Make the Dry Mix
Now it’s time to build the structure of our cake, the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g) – This gives a soft, delicate crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Your gentle rising agent.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor.
Use sea salt if possible; it has a mellow, clean taste. Avoid iodized table salt if possible, as it can impart a metallic taste in baked goods. And if you’re using Diamond Crystal kosher salt, it’s less salty by volume, so that you may need a pinch more.
Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly combined and set the bowl aside.
🎯 Note: There’s barely any flour in this cake, just enough to hold the apples in a custardy embrace. The powdered sugar adds body without density.
🥚 Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
Grab another large bowl; it’s time for the good stuff.
Add to your bowl:
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
Whisk them like you mean it! You want the eggs to get light, foamy, and pale. This step adds air and lightness, which will keep your cake from being too dense.
Once foamy, add the melted butter:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Whisk it in slowly. The butter brings richness and moisture, giving this cake its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🍦 Step 5: Flavor It Up
This is where the magic happens. Let’s infuse our wet ingredients with flavor.
Add the following:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g) – Gives sweetness and structure
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For warmth and aroma
- ¼ cup dark rum (60ml) – Adds depth, complexity, and just a touch of sophistication
Give everything a good whisk until thick and ribbony.
🎉 No rum? No problem. Replace it with apple juice, milk, or even water. The cake will still be delicious, just a little less bold.
The combination of butter, vanilla, and dark rum is heavenly. If you’re not already excited, the smell of this mixture will do the trick.
🥄 Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry
Now let’s bring it all together.
Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, a little at a time, and stir gently with a whisk or wooden spoon.
Don’t overmix! You want the batter to be mostly combined, but it’s okay if you still see a few small streaks of flour. You’ll finish the mixing once the apples are added.
🌀 Batter too thin? Don’t worry, it’s meant to be light and delicate. That’s part of this cake’s charm.
🍏 Step 7: Fold in the Apples
Now for the best part, apples, apples, and more apples.
Gently fold in your chopped apples. Make sure they’re evenly coated and dispersed throughout the batter. It should look like the apples are taking over (that’s a good thing!).
If you’re using slices, they’ll give a layered, textural look inside the cake. If you’re using chunks, they’ll create soft apple pockets in every bite.
🍎 Note: This step is what gives the cake its moist, custardy bite. The fruit carries the flavor and texture, while the batter gently hugs it all together.
🧈 Step 8: Assemble & Top
Ready to bake? Let’s assemble this beauty.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. It’ll be thick and filled with apples, that’s precisely what you want.
- Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Top with reserved apple slices, arranged in a circle or any pretty pattern.
🖌️ Optional but lovely:
Brush the top apple slices with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. This gives them a caramelized finish that’s golden and slightly crisp.
This step isn’t required, but it’s a sweet little extra that makes the cake feel special.
🔥 Step 9: Bake
Place your cake in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes.
Here’s how to check for doneness:
- A toothpick or skewer inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- The top should be lightly golden and just beginning to pull away from the edges.
⏲️ Important: Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before attempting to remove it from the pan. It’s delicate while warm.
If you used a springform pan, this will be easy, just unclasp and lift. If using a regular pan, run a sharp knife along the edges to loosen it first.
🍰 Step 10: Finish & Serve
You’re almost there!
Once the cake has cooled slightly:
- Gently remove the parchment paper from the bottom.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar.
- Slice and serve!
This cake is delicious at room temperature, slightly warm, or even chilled the next day.
Serve it with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Or just a cozy cup of coffee or tea
✨ Texture alert: The inside is so soft it borders on custard. The apples keep a little texture, and the crumb is buttery, tender, and light. Each bite is pure autumn bliss.
🍏 5 Tips for the Best Apple Cake Ever
Whether you’re baking this cake for the first time or the fiftieth, these smart, tried-and-true tips will make sure your apple cake comes out perfect every time.
✅ 1. Use the Right Apples
Not all apples bake the same!
Some go mushy. Others stay firm. You want apples that retain their shape and provide a bit of texture contrast after baking. That’s what makes every bite of this cake interesting.
Top picks:
- Honeycrisp – slightly sweet with a crisp bite even after baking
- Granny Smith – tart and firm, perfect if you like a zing
- Fuji or Gala – for a naturally sweet, mellow flavor
✨ Pro Tip: You can even mix two types for a more complex flavor and texture, such as one tart and one sweet.
✅ 2. Peel Your Apples First
Yes, peeling adds an extra step, but it’s worth it.
The skins can become tough or chewy after baking, which interrupts that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Taking the time to peel them ensures your final cake texture is tender and luxurious.
Plus, it makes folding them into the delicate batter way easier.
✅ 3. Don’t Overmix the Batter
This cake’s batter is light, almost custardy. Overmixing can lead to a dense or rubbery texture.
After adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Then, once the apples go in, be gentle. You’re looking to coat the apples, not beat the air out of the batter.
🌀 Less mixing = a softer, more delicate crumb.
✅ 4. Use Parchment Paper to Line Your Pan
This cake is so tender, it’s a custard with structure. That means it can stick or break apart if you’re not careful when unmolding it.
A parchment round on the bottom and a well-buttered pan make sure everything releases easily. If you’re using a springform pan, even better, it’s the most foolproof option.
✅ 5. Let It Cool Before Removing from the Pan
We know it smells amazing. You’re tempted. But don’t rush this step.
Let your cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This helps it set and firm up the edges, allowing it to unmold cleanly.
Once cooled slightly:
- Run a knife around the edge
- Release the pan collar (if using springform)
- Carefully peel away the parchment from the bottom
❄️ Want to make it ahead? This cake tastes great the next day, too, just keep it covered.
🍎 Apple Cake Variations to Try
Want to make this cake your own? Here are some easy and delicious variations you can try without altering the essence of the recipe. These swaps or additions keep things fun and flexible!
| Variation | What to Do |
| No Alcohol | Replace rum with milk, water, or apple juice for a family-friendly version |
| Spiced Apple Cake | Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mix for a warm, fall flavor |
| Caramel Apple Cake | Drizzle caramel over the top before or after baking |
| Apple-Pear Combo | Use half apples, half ripe pears for a mellow, juicy twist |
| Nutty Crunch | Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture |
| Citrus Lift | Add 1 tsp orange or lemon zest to the batter for brightness |
| Gluten-Free | Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of regular flour |
| Brown Butter Upgrade | Use browned butter instead of regular melted butter for a rich, nutty base |
| Boozy Boost | Try bourbon or brandy in place of rum for a deeper, grown-up flavor |
| Almond Twist | Add ¼ tsp almond extract + sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking |
💡 Mix and match a couple of these ideas, such as brown butter and nuts or spice and caramel, for a cake that truly reflects your taste.
🎯 Final Thoughts
This French Apple Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like home. It’s rustic but refined, simple yet intensely flavorful. With buttery richness, soft apples, and that whisper of dark rum and vanilla, every bite wraps you in a cozy hug.
Whether you’re making it for a weekend gathering, a quiet fall evening, or just because you’ve got apples on the counter, this recipe is always the right choice. It’s easy, elegant, and endlessly comforting.
So, preheat the oven, grab your apples, and bake something that brings joy with every slice.
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