Name: Easy French Apple Cake Recipe (Gâteau Invisible) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar), plus extra for dusting; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; A pinch of salt; 4 apples (peeled and thinly sliced)

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Introduction

This Easy French Apple Cake, also known as Gâteau Invisible, is a delightfully light and tender dessert. Thin slices of apple are gently folded into a delicate batter, creating a moist cake that highlights the fruit’s natural sweetness. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

The image shows slices of a layered apple cake with a golden-brown, slightly crispy top dusted with powdered sugar. The cake has about 7 to 8 visible thin layers of soft, light beige apple slices stacked closely, creating a textured look inside. The edges of the cake are slightly darker and crunchy. The slices are placed on a flat white marbled surface, and some light powdered sugar is scattered around the cake. The cake looks moist and tender. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar), plus a little extra for dusting
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
4 apples

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Add the milk and melted butter to the mixture and whisk again. Gradually sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt while whisking until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Peel the apples and thinly slice them using a vegetable peeler. Discard the peels, then gently fold the apple slices into the batter to coat evenly.
Step 5: Pour the apple batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Flatten the top gently with a spatula or spoon to press down any apple slices sticking out.
Step 6: Bake for about 1 hour, or until the cake is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Step 8: Slice and enjoy your delicate French apple cake.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
If you like, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
For a richer cake, substitute half the milk with cream or add a tablespoon of honey to the batter.
Make sure to slice the apples very thinly to achieve the characteristic “invisible” layers in the cake.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or serve at room temperature for best texture.

How to Serve

A rectangular slice of golden brown baked apple dessert with a slightly crispy and uneven top layer sprinkled with white powdered sugar sits on a black serving board, with two red apples positioned blurred in the background. The dessert appears dense with visible thin apple slices integrated into the layers. The surface beneath the board is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches work well as substitutes, but be sure to slice them thinly and adjust the baking time if needed.

Why is it called Gâteau Invisible?

It’s called “Invisible Cake” because the thinly sliced fruit layers blend into the batter, creating a delicate, almost translucent texture that makes the fruit “invisible” in the final cake.