Parisian Apple Cake Recipe

Introduction

Parisian Apple Cake is a delightful and moist dessert featuring tender apples and warm spices. Its subtle hints of cinnamon and cardamom make it a perfect treat for any season, bringing a touch of French charm to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 large apples, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom
• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ tablespoons dark rum
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly.
2. Step 2: Place the diced apples in a medium bowl, pour the apple cider vinegar over them, and toss gently to coat. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom until well combined.
4. Step 4: In another large mixing bowl, cream the butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and the brown sugar until the mixture is light and airy.
5. Step 5: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the dark rum and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Step 7: Fold the coated diced apples into the batter evenly, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top of the batter for a lovely crisp finish.
9. Step 9: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for more tang, or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a mellow flavor.
• Replace the dark rum with apple brandy or leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.
• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
• Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of crème fraîche for an elegant touch.

Storage

Store the Parisian Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices gently in the oven or microwave until just heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. The cake can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute lemon juice or white vinegar in equal amounts to help keep the apples tender and maintain the cake’s moisture.

Parisian Apple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 71 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Parisian Apple Cake is a delightful blend of tender diced apples infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, all encased in a buttery, moist cake lightly kissed with dark rum and vanilla. The cake is topped with a sprinkle of sugar that caramelizes to form a subtle crust, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit

• 3 large apples, peeled and diced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ tablespoons dark rum
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare apples: Place the peeled and diced apples into a medium-sized bowl, then pour the apple cider vinegar over them. Toss gently to evenly coat the apples and set aside; this will help keep their brightness and add a subtle tang.
3. Sift dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. This ensures an even distribution of spices and prevents lumps.
4. Cream butter and sugars: In another large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and airy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb.
5. Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the dark rum and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is combined smoothly.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then fold in the diced apple pieces carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Transfer and top: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to level the surface. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top, which will create a lightly caramelized crust while baking.
8. Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just moist crumbs attached.
9. Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. Cooling will help the cake set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors.

Notes

• Using apple cider vinegar on the apples helps maintain their color and adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
• Room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming with the sugars, resulting in a light texture.
• Folding the apples in at the end preserves their shape and prevents the batter from turning brown.
• Sprinkling sugar on top before baking creates a pleasant crunch and slight caramelization.
• For best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Keywords: Parisian apple cake, apple dessert, French cake, spiced apple cake, baking recipe, rum apple cake