:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EW-InvisibleAppleCake.4000-4000-9db6fcb131bc4418995c107ab8b42df7.jpg)
Invisible Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbgranny smith apples
- 1 mediumlemon
juiced
- ⅓ csugar
- 3 largeeggs
- 3 tbspunsalted butter
melted
- ½ tspcinnamon
- ½ tspcardamom
- ¼ tspkosher salt
- 1 call-purpose flour
- 1 tbspalmond extract
- ½ cwhole milk
- 3 tbspapple jelly
warmed, optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides. Place the loaf pan on a large rimmed baking sheet in case of overflow.
- 2
Peel and core 2½ pounds apples. Using a mandoline, slice the apples into ⅛-inch-thick rings. Cut the apple rings in half. Place in a large bowl; add the lemon juice and toss to coat.
- 3
In a large bowl, whisk ⅓ cup sugar, 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons melted butter, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon cardamom and ¼ teaspoon salt until evenly incorporated. Whisk in 1 cup flour until smooth. Whisk in ½ cup milk and ½ tablespoon almond extract until incorporated. Pour the batter over the sliced apples; stir until evenly coated. Using a spoon, set aside 12 to 15 apple slices, about 1 cup, for topping.
- 4
Arrange the remaining apple slices in an even layer in the prepared pan, slightly overlapping around the pan. Use any small or broken slices to fill any gaps. Pour excess batter over the top. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Decorate the top with the reserved apple slices.
- 5
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the apples are tender, tenting with foil if the top gets too brown, 70 to 80 minutes. Place the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
- 6
Brush the cake with 3 tablespoons apple jelly, if desired, and let cool completely in the pan, about 3 hours. Once cooled, loosen the cake with a knife on the short ends of the pan. Lift the longer sides of parchment to lift the cake out of the pan. Transfer to a serving platter and cut into slices.
Invisible Apple Cake
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Simply-Recipes_Magic-Cake_LEAD_10-8a80319c68204b03a0fd688ec5c6d11e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/6472114-gateau-breton-Yoly-4x3-1-0be7064c2f834d9f8f2728a901463cff.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EW-Honey-Apple-Cake-Beauty-215422_preview_maxWidth_4000_maxHeight_4000_ppi_300_quality_100-06255c1f97e34b49aa6d4c910b13205a.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Dreaming of an elegant dessert that's surprisingly simple to make, yet utterly impressive? This Invisible Apple Cake, inspired by the French "Gateau Invisible aux Pommes," is exactly that—a stunning creation where layers of thinly sliced apples seemingly vanish into a delicate, custardy batter as it bakes.
What makes this cake so special is the delightful illusion it creates. Instead of distinct cake and apple layers, you're treated to a cohesive, moist crumb where the Granny Smith apples become one with the batter, infused with warm spices. It’s a trick of the eye that results in an incredibly tender texture and concentrated apple flavor that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
When you slice into this cake, you'll discover a beautifully moist interior packed with a soft, sweet apple essence. Each bite offers the bright tang of lemon-kissed apples, mellowed by the comforting warmth of cinnamon and cardamom, and a hint of fragrant almond. The cake itself is delightfully tender, a perfect vehicle for the "invisible" fruit. This dessert promises a truly unique texture that's less like a traditional cake and more like a dense, custardy apple dream, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Customizing this Invisible Apple Cake is simple. While Granny Smith apples are fantastic for their tartness and firm texture, you could experiment with other firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly different flavor profile. If you're not a fan of almond extract, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute, though the almond adds a lovely depth. The optional warmed apple jelly brushed on top provides a beautiful sheen and extra fruit flavor, but the cake is wonderful even without it.
Serve this elegant apple cake as a sophisticated dessert after dinner, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar, or enjoy a slice for a delightful afternoon treat. It’s perfect for any occasion where you want to serve something a little out of the ordinary, yet universally loved.