Description
This elegant French-style cake features a high ratio of tender apples tucked into a buttery, rum-scented batter. It develops a signature crunchy sugar crust on top, making it a rustic yet stunning masterpiece perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 large Honeycrisp or firm tart apples
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar (plus 3 tablespoons for topping)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1/4 to 3/8-inch cubes, then toss them in a bowl with the apple cider vinegar.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the butter with 1/2 cup white sugar and the brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the dark rum and vanilla, then gently fold in the flour mixture in two batches until just combined.
- Fold the apple cubes into the batter, transfer to the prepared pan, and sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar over the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean, then let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For the best texture, ensure your apples are cut into uniform small cubes so they soften perfectly during the bake. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with an equal amount of apple juice or cider to maintain the liquid balance.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French