Indulging in a slice of Parisian Apple Cake is like taking a bite of France itself. This classic French dessert combines the tartness of fresh apples with a rich, buttery cake that’s both comforting and elegant. Originating from the charming streets of Paris, this rustic apple pastry is perfect for gatherings or as a delightful treat during the fall season. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors of the apples to shine, making it a favorite among both novice and seasoned bakers. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a homemade apple cake, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Fold in the diced apples gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired, and slice to serve. Enjoy your homemade apple cake!