Name: French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp); 2 large eggs; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2 tbsp sliced almonds (for topping); Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Introduction

The French Apple Invisible Cake is a delightfully light and tender dessert that lets the apples shine through in thin, buttery layers. This cake is perfect for those who love a subtle sweetness paired with a moist texture and a hint of vanilla.

A close-up of a square slice of layered apple cake on a wooden board with a white marbled background. The cake has many thin, golden-yellow layers of apple and dough stacked closely together. The top is golden-brown with thin slices of toasted almonds scattered over a light dusting of powdered sugar. A small amount of creamy, light yellow filling oozes out slightly at the bottom edge. In the background, another piece of the same cake is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)
2 large eggs
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp sliced almonds (for topping)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly, using a mandoline if possible, then place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix well.
Step 4: Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5: Gently fold the apple slices into the batter, ensuring each slice is coated. The batter will be thin; apples should be layered with just enough batter to bind them together.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or square pan with parchment paper.
Step 7: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to arrange the apples in neat layers.
Step 8: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly on top of the cake batter.
Step 9: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set in the center.
Step 10: Let the cake cool completely in the pan to help it hold together. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

Using a mandoline to slice apples ensures uniform thickness and even cooking.
Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to maintain its delicate structure.
Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavor profiles, such as tart Granny Smith or sweet Fuji.
For a nut-free version, omit the sliced almonds on top or replace them with toasted coconut flakes.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it warm, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. This cake also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square piece of layered apple cake with thin, visible slices of apple stacked inside, showing soft yellow and light brown hues. The top is golden brown with small almond flakes scattered and dusted with white powdered sugar, creating a slightly rough texture. At the bottom edge, creamy filling gently oozes out. Behind it, another piece of cake is partially visible. The cake sits on a wooden board resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed, keeping in mind it may slightly alter the texture.

Why is it called an “Invisible” cake?

The cake is called “invisible” because the thin layers of apples are so plentiful and thinly sliced they almost disappear into the batter, creating a delicate, tender texture rather than a typical dense cake.