Imagine a dessert that transports you straight to the charming patisseries of Paris with just one bite! This French Apple Custard Cake is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that combines the rustic elegance of French baking with the comforting warmth of home-cooked goodness. Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that's simultaneously creamy, fruity, and utterly irresistible – a true showstopper that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted unsalted butter and sugar together until well combined and slightly fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the sliced apples gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the French Apple Custard Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally dusting with powdered sugar or serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Tips
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. Make sure to slice them evenly for uniform distribution.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Pan Preparation: Ensure your cake pan is well-greased to prevent sticking. A light dusting of flour after greasing can provide extra insurance.
- Toothpick Test: The toothpick should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs when the cake is perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents breaking.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
