Description
This Invisible Apple Cake, also known as Layered Apple Custard, is a delicate French dessert where thinly sliced apples are the star. A small amount of batter bakes into a custardy texture, creating a cake that is mostly fruit and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10-12 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the melted butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Arrange a layer of thinly sliced apples in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pour about one-third of the batter over the apples, spreading it evenly.
- Continue layering apples and batter, ending with a layer of apples. You should use all the apples and remaining batter.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the apples is key to achieving the ‘invisible’ effect. Use a mandoline for best results.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
- This cake is delicious served on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg