Introducing French Apple Cinnamon Cake, a delightful blend of French baking and the cozy tastes of home. Tender apple pieces in a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake. Each bite feels like a visit to a charming Parisian café.
Why I Loved This Recipe
I distinctly remember the first time I tried this French Apple Cinnamon Cake.
It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just returned from a stroll in the park.
As I bit into the cake, the warmth of cinnamon and the juiciness of the apples created an exquisite contrast that left me craving more.
Since then, this cake has become a staple for family gatherings, bringing comfort and joy to each occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
▪️ Effortless Elegance: This cake adds a touch of French elegance to your table without any hassle. It’s fancy yet relaxed, perfect for any occasion.
▪️ Apple Delight: Enjoy soft, sweet apple bites in every slice, bringing a burst of juicy flavor to each bite.
▪️ Warm Cinnamon Embrace: Baking this cake fills your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon, like a comforting hug, especially on chilly days.
▪️ Baking Buddy: Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, this recipe is your trusty sidekick. It’s forgiving and flexible, letting you create a masterpiece even if you’re not a kitchen expert.
▪️ Versatile Treat: From laid-back breakfasts to elegant dinners, this cake suits any setting. It effortlessly makes you look like a baking pro, no matter the occasion.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
▪️ 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is like the cake’s foundation. It gives the cake structure and a nice texture.
▪️ 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what makes the cake rise and become all fluffy.
▪️ ½ teaspoon baking soda: It helps the cake get a good texture and flavor.
▪️ 1 tablespoon cinnamon: This spice is like a cozy hug for your taste buds. It makes the cake smell and tastes amazing.
▪️ A pinch of salt: Just a tiny bit, but it balances out all the flavors and makes everything taste better.
▪️ 3 eggs: These are the glue that holds everything together. They make the cake moist and delicious.
▪️ 1 ½ cups sugar: This is what sweetens the cake and makes it taste so good.
▪️ ½ cup vegetable oil: This is like the secret ingredient that keeps the cake soft and moist.
▪️ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a special flavor that makes the cake taste extra yummy.
▪️ 3 medium apples: These are the stars of the show. They bring sweetness and a nice fruity texture to the cake.
Making Of French Apple Cinnamon Cake
STEP 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cake cook just right. While it’s heating up, give your 9-inch springform pan some attention – grease it and sprinkle a bit of flour to prevent sticking.
STEP 2: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix them together with a whisk.
STEP 3: In another bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 ½ cups of sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
STEP 4: Now, slowly add the dry mix into the wet mix. Gently fold them together with a spatula. A few lumps are okay; they give character to the cake.
STEP 5: Peel, core, and slice 3 medium apples. Add them to the batter and gently mix them in.
STEP 6: Pour the batter into the greased springform pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean.
STEP 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, slice a piece and enjoy every bite!
Tips and Techniques
▪️ Keep apples fresh and zesty by splashing them with lemon juice before adding to the cake batter.
▪️ Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes after baking for better flavor.
▪️ When mixing, it’s okay to have a few lumps; they make the cake soft and cozy.
▪️ Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom alongside cinnamon for a unique flavor.
▪️ Ensure the cake cools completely on a wire rack to maintain its texture and flavor.
Serving Size
This recipe makes a 9-inch cake that’s just right for about 8 to 10 slices. It’s like having a cozy cake party with your favorite people around the table. So, slice it up, serve, and let the deliciousness be enjoyed by everyone!
Serving Suggestions
▪️ Add whipped cream on top of a cake slice for a creamy cinnamon delight.
▪️ Serve with vanilla ice cream for a warm-cake-and-cool-ice-cream treat.
▪️ Try berries or peaches with sugar drizzled over the cake for a fruity twist.
Variations
▪️ Add crunch with nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a delightful contrast.
▪️ Drizzle caramel sauce on the cooled cake for a sweet indulgence.
▪️ Mix apples with pears or berries for extra fruity goodness.
▪️ Elevate your cake with a streusel topping of flour, butter, and sugar.
▪️ Try ground nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
▪️ Surprise chocolate lovers by adding chocolate chips to the apple chunks for a heavenly combo.
Storage Tips
To keep your cake fresh and tasty, follow these simple steps: First, let it cool down completely after baking. Then, find an airtight container to store it in. If you’ll finish it soon, room temperature is fine. If not, refrigerate it, but remember to let it warm up a bit before enjoying it. For extra organization, freeze slices tightly wrapped, defrosting in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
FAQs
Q. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
While it’s possible, keep in mind that whole wheat flour might result in a denser texture.
Q. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Q. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar without compromising the cake’s structure, but keep in mind that it might affect the overall sweetness.
Q. Can I use ground nutmeg instead of cinnamon?
While it’ll give a different flavor profile, it can be a delightful experiment. Start with a smaller quantity, as nutmeg has a stronger taste.
Q. Can I use canned apples?
Fresh apples are recommended for their texture and flavor. Canned apples might be too soft and overly sweet.
French Apple Cinnamon Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 eggs
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium apples e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan, then lightly flour it to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, ½ tsp of baking soda, 1 tbsp of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, whisk 3 eggs, 1 ½ cups of sugar, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, gently folding until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Peel, core, and slice 3 medium apples. Gently fold the apple slices into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Freshen apples with lemon juice before adding to the batter.
- Cool the cake in the pan for 15 mins post-baking.
- A few lumps in the mix make it soft.
- Spice it up with nutmeg or cardamom.
- Cool completely on a wire rack for perfect texture and flavor.
