Imagine sinking your fork into a heavenly slice of cake that combines the nutty richness of ancient spelt flour with the sweet, tender embrace of perfectly baked apples. This French Apple Cake isn't just a dessert—it's a culinary journey that transports you straight to the charming countryside kitchens of France, where simple ingredients become extraordinary masterpieces. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups spelt flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Peel and slice the apples into thin, even slices, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared cake pan, then arrange a layer of apple slices over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter on top of the apple slices, gently spreading it to cover the apples completely.
- Arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter in a decorative pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
- Before serving, dust the top of the cake generously with powdered sugar.
- Slice and serve at room temperature. The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't overmix: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a light, tender crumb.
- Slice apples uniformly: Consistent apple slice thickness ensures even baking and a beautiful presentation.
- Check for doneness: Use the toothpick test—it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
- Storage tip: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
