French Apple Cake

French Apple Cake - this soft and moist cake with rum and pieces of juicy apples and  sugar topping is perfect for those who like simple, but delicious recipes. After hot summer time and summer treats, it is time to move to fall recipes and apples are the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about early fall.

f you love easy homemade apple desserts, you'll also want to try this Easy Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake, Apple Crumb Cake, and Apple Cinnamon Bread. They're all delicious ways to enjoy fresh apples in a cozy homemade dessert.

Even if you're new to baking, don't worry! This French Apple Cake is incredibly easy to make and requires just a few simple steps. It's one of the easiest cakes I've ever made, yet the flavor is absolutely delicious.

Key ingredients

• Apples - Fresh apples are the star of this cake, adding natural sweetness, moisture, and a delicious fruity flavor. For another delicious apple dessert, try these Cinnamon Sugar Apple Muffins.
• All-purpose flour - Provides structure and gives the cake a soft, tender crumb.
• Baking powder - Helps the cake rise and gives it a light texture.
• Salt - Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter - Adds richness, moisture, and a delicious buttery flavor.
• Granulated sugar - Sweetens the cake and helps create a lightly golden crust.
• Eggs - Add structure and richness while helping bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract - Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the apples and rum.
• Dark rum - Adds depth and a subtle warmth to the flavor. If you enjoy baking with rum, you might also like this Chocolate Rum Cake.
• Cooking spray or butter - Used to grease the baking pan and prevent the cake from sticking.

How to make French Apple Cake?

Step 1 - Prepare the apples
Peel the apples and cut them into ½-inch cubes. Set aside.

Step 2 - Prepare the dry ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 3 - Cream the butter and sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully combined.

Step 4 - Add the vanilla and rum
Add the vanilla extract and dark rum and mix until well combined.

Step 5 - Combine the batter
Gradually add the flour mixture, about ¼ at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.

Step 6 - Prepare and bake the cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch springform or cake pan lined with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly and sprinkle the top with sugar. Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7 - Cool and serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a cake plate. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Here's a quick overview of the preparation. For detailed instructions, exact measurements, and the complete recipe, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Expert Tips

Choose the right apples. Granny Smith apples are a great choice for French Apple Cake because their slightly tart flavor balances the sweetness of the cake, while their firm texture holds up well during baking. If you love simple apple desserts, you might also enjoy these Easy Apple Crisp Bars.

Don't overmix the batter. Once you start adding the flour mixture, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and tender.

Cut the apples into even pieces. Cut the apples into similar-sized ½-inch cubes so they bake evenly and are nicely distributed throughout the cake.

Check for doneness. The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. For another delicious apple cake, try this Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake.

Let the cake cool slightly before serving. Allow it to rest in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cake plate. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice.

Dust with powdered sugar just before serving. A light dusting adds a simple finishing touch and makes this classic French Apple Cake even more inviting.

French Apple Cake FAQs

Can I make French Apple Cake without rum?
Yes. You can leave out the rum if you prefer. This apple cake will still be delicious, although the rum adds a subtle depth and warmth to the flavor.

Can I use a regular cake pan for this apple cake?
Absolutely. A 9-inch cake pan works well instead of a springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to make this French-style cake easier to remove.

How should I store this French apple dessert?
Store the cooled French Apple Cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 4 days and bring it to room temperature before serving. rum?
Yes. You can leave out the rum if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious, although the rum adds a subtle depth of flavor.

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?
Absolutely. A 9-inch cake pan works well. Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to make the cake easier to remove.

How should I store French Apple Cake?
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 4 days and bring it to room temperature before serving.

If you enjoyed this simple and delicious French Apple Cake, be sure to try more apple desserts! These Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars, Apple Cheesecake Tacos, and Apple French Toast Bake are delicious ways to enjoy the flavors of apple season.

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