Name: Apple Invisible Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp); 2 large eggs; ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking powder; ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2 tbsp sliced almonds; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Introduction

Apple Invisible Cake is a delicate dessert that highlights thinly sliced apples layered in a light, tender batter. This French-inspired cake is almost fruit and barely cake, making it a perfect treat for apple lovers looking for something elegant yet simple.

A close-up of a square piece of layered apple cake with many thin apple slices tightly packed inside, showing a light golden-brown caramelized top sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with thin, light brown almond slices. The cake layers are moist and slightly translucent, with creamy custard oozing out from the bottom edge. The cake sits on a wooden board with some powdered sugar scattered around. In the blurry background, there is a second piece of the same cake. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)
2 large eggs
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp sliced almonds (for topping)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples very thinly. A mandoline slicer works best to get uniform slices. Set the sliced apples aside in a large bowl.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and stir well to combine.
Step 4: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Whisk gently until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5: Carefully fold the apple slices into the batter, ensuring all slices are coated. The batter will be quite thin; apples should be layered with just enough batter to bind them together.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or square baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 7: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing lightly to arrange the apples in neat, even layers.
Step 8: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 9: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set in the center.
Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use a crisp apple variety to maintain texture and prevent the cake from becoming mushy.
You can substitute almond slices with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice flavor.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.

Storage

Store the Apple Invisible Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

A square piece of layered apple dessert is shown on a wooden board, with many thin pale yellow layers of cooked apple stacked tightly together inside. The top layer is browned and slightly crispy, covered with a dusting of white powdered sugar and thin almond slices scattered across. A small amount of creamy, pale yellow sauce is oozing out from one side near the bottom. The wooden board contrasts with the white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What makes this cake “invisible”?

It’s called “invisible” because the thin layers of apples and batter blend so seamlessly, creating a delicate cake where the fruit is the star and the batter is almost undetectable.

Can I use other fruits besides apples?

Yes, pears and quinces work well in this recipe, especially firm varieties. Just slice them very thinly and follow the same process for layering and batter.