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Classic French Apple Custard Cake

Classic French Apple Custard Cake

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Classic French Apple Custard Cake: A Heavenly Dessert with a Perfect Blend of Flavors

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious, Classic French Apple Custard Cake is the answer! This irresistible dessert combines the sweet, tender apples with a rich custard-like filling and a light, airy cake base, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Inspired by the traditional French dessert known as “Tarte Normande”, this cake is a perfect balance of fruity, creamy, and slightly tangy goodness.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy treat at home, Classic French Apple Custard Cake is sure to impress with its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This French Apple Custard Cake

  1. Perfect Texture: The beauty of this cake lies in its textures. The apples become tender and caramelized, while the custard filling is smooth and creamy. Together with the light, soft cake, every bite is a comforting blend of flavors.
  2. Simple Ingredients: Despite its fancy French origins, the recipe uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. It’s an accessible dessert that delivers on taste without requiring hard-to-find items.
  3. Elegant and Beautiful: The way the apples are arranged on top creates a beautiful presentation, making this dessert a showstopper for any dinner party or holiday meal.
  4. Versatile: While apples are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with different fruits or spices. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla to customize the flavor to your liking.
  5. No Fuss, No Frosting: This cake doesn’t require complicated layers or frosting. Instead, it’s a simple, rustic dessert that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Classic French Apple Custard Cake

This cake features a delicious combination of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3-4 medium apples (preferably tart apples, such as Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar (plus an extra tablespoon for dusting)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep the apples from browning)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

How to Make Classic French Apple Custard Cake

This French Apple Custard Cake is surprisingly simple to make, with a few easy steps. Here’s how to bring this delicious dessert to life:

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 medium apples (Granny Smith or any tart apple)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar (plus an extra tablespoon for dusting)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set them aside while you prepare the cake batter.
  3. Make the Cake Batter: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
  4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. The batter will be slightly thick, but don’t worry, this is the perfect consistency.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern over the top, slightly overlapping them. You can arrange the apples in a beautiful spiral pattern or simply layer them however you like. The apples will sink slightly into the batter as it bakes.
  6. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The apples will caramelize slightly, adding a gorgeous, golden hue to the top of the cake.
  7. Cool and Serve: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a finishing touch, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a little extra sweetness and makes the cake look even more beautiful.
  9. Slice and Enjoy: Once the cake has cooled, slice it into wedges and enjoy the delicious contrast of sweet, tender apples with the rich, creamy custard-like filling.

Tips for the Perfect French Apple Custard Cake

  • Use Tart Apples: Tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Jonagold, are best for this recipe because they balance out the sweetness of the cake. You can use sweeter varieties if you prefer, but the tartness provides a nice contrast.
  • Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice helps preserve the apples’ color and enhances their flavor, so be sure to use it when preparing your apples.