This apple custard cake is perfect for autumn. The cake itself has a smooth consistency – filled with sliced apples, spiked with brandy (or rum), and with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. It’s the perfect breakfast treat with morning coffee because it isn’t too sweet.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, cut into 8 wedges, and sliced 1/8 inch thick crosswise
1 tablespoon Calvados*
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg plus 2 large yolks
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*If you don’t have Calvados (French apple brandy) any brandy (or even rum) will work.
Instructions
Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325F. Spray 9-inch springform and place pan on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.
Place apple slices into microwave-safe pie plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave until apples are pliable and slightly translucent, about 3 minutes (to make sure they are soft enough for the cake).
Toss apple slices with Calvados, lemon juice and cinnamon and let cool for 15 minutes.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk 1 cup flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a second bowl, whisk the whole egg (not the yolks), oil, milk, and vanilla together until smooth.
Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Transfer 1 cup batter to separate bowl and set aside.
Add egg yolks to the remaining batter and whisk to combine. Using spatula, gently fold in the apples. Transfer batter to the pan, using an offset spatula to spread batter evenly to pan edges, gently pressing on apples to create even, compact layer, and smooth surface.
Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons flour into the batter you set aside. Pour over batter in pan and spread batter evenly to pan edges and smooth the surface. Sprinkle remaining tablespoon of sugar evenly over cake.
Cute kitchen moment!
On duty during the making of the apple custard cake, the faithful baking assistants – providing helpful and encouraging feedback via adoring looks. More Cleo and Ele
Bake until center of cake is set, toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, and top is golden brown, about 75 minutes.
Transfer pan to wire rack; let cool for 5 minutes. Run paring knife around sides of pan and let cool completely, 2 to 3 hours.
Serve alone or with whipped cream!
How did your French apple custard cake turn out? Let us know in the comments below.
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Had planned to make a French Apple Cake using old recipe, but then your newsletter arrived and I had to try this offering! Got rave reviews for dessert last night from family and houseguests, and has made repeat appearances for breakfast (accompanying Clems Wild Rice cereal), and again with afternoon tea. Thanks for sharing it; it’s a keeper.
Thanks Don. Glad to hear it was a hit! (And that you’re still making the wild rice cereal too!)
I made this cake yesterday. It is delicious! This will be one of our favorites. I’m looking forward to baking it at the holidays to share with the family.
Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Thanks Sally! So glad you loved the cake 🙂