There is something that is so comforting about an a French apple cake – and especially one that is served with warm caramel sauce. Okay maybe the caramel sauce is a bit indulgent considering how delicious the cake is on its own. But if you are looking impress guests or simply feel like a treat, I definitely recommend making the sauce with this easy French apple cake recipe.
If you’re like me and love a classic then you will love this French apple cake recipe. A simple apple cake recipe is a great recipe to keep up your sleeve as apples are something that are available nearly all year round in most countries. Brooke has a few go-to recipes up her sleeve already, however on the weekend she wanted to try something new and came across this delicious French apple cake with fresh apples. If I have my way this cake is definitely going to get added to that list.
This recipe is simple and includes ingredients that nearly all households contain. Yes you may need to take a trip to the liquor store if you don’t have the brandy in your liquor cabinet. However I definitely recommend you add it as adds a nice warmth at the end of each bite and really completes the cake.
It comes together quickly, however you want to make sure you don’t over bake the cake. Simply check around the 50 minute mark with a skewer, and if the skewer comes out clean with no batter then your cake is ready. Be careful not to prick the apples as you go though.
French apple cake recipe adapted via Dorie Greenspan via David Lebovitz via Sarah at strawberryplum.com
If you like this recipe – then check out our other dessert and sweets recipes – like our recipes for no-bake mars bar slice, ginger-nut biscuits, easy raspberry friands, Belgian lemon tea cake or apple and rhubarb crumble.
French apple cake with caramel sauce – Recipe Instructions
- ¾ cp All-Purpose Flour
- ¾ tsp Baking Powder
- pinch of Salt
- ½ tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- 2 Eggs
- ¾ cup Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Brandy
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
- 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled, plus extra for greasing the pan
- 4 large Apples (I used 4 Granny Smith), peeled and diced into ½-1 in. chunks
- ½ cup Sugar
- ¼ cup Water
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- ¼ cup Cream
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Thoroughly butter a springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and frothy. Beat in the brandy and vanilla.
- Stir half of the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Add half of the melted butter, stir, then add the remaining flour, followed by the remaining butter. Fold the apples into the batter and transfer the batter-covered apples to the already prepared pan.
- Set the springform pan on a baking sheet and bake until the centre of the cake is set and a tester comes out clean. Mine took approximately 1 hour, 5 minutes, however, baking times are likely to vary based on the size and moisture content of your apples to be sure to keep an eye on your cake.
- Let the cake cool for a few minutes in the pan, then run a knife around the edges, and remove the springform. Allow to cool slightly, then serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or crème fraîche and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- While the cake bakes, make the caramel. Place the sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk to dissolve. Cook until the mixture become dark amber in color, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter, then slowly stir in the cream and salt. Drizzle over cake. Any leftover sauce can be refrigerated and reheated in a water bath to a pourable consistency.
