Sweet Baked Life

With the craziness of the holidays upon us, now is the time to indulge in this delightfully unique French Apple Cake.

This is the time of year when friends and family come together to enjoy good food, create new or carry on old traditions and make wonderful memories. So, then why does it feel like the stars are out of alignment or that there is a constant full moon shining down making everything and everyone just a bit out-of-control? I’m not sure, but I just keep telling myself to breathe!

What about for you? Do your days seem to be filled with craziness? Moreover, do the people around you seem to be particularly insane? Well, for your sake, I hope not. Nevertheless, the holidays seem to bring a whole new level of stress into our lives. Mine included. We all go a little nuts with intense meal planning and preparation, non-stop house cleaning, massive shopping; not to mention fierce work schedules and juggling school vacations all while trying to stay rested and positive.

So, if you are feeling the pressures of the holidays, do yourself a favor — take a break from the insanity and whip up this simple and succulent French Apple Cake. One thing for sure, the French got it right with this cake.

And if you are wondering why I am making a cake during pie season — simple, I like cake better!

For this amazingly sane cake, you start with a bunch of your favorite apples; you can combine any type you like. I opted for Granny Smith, as I wanted a result that had that unforgettable tart and sweet combination. Then you mix together the simplest of ingredients, probably items you have on hand – flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, eggs and butter.

And voila — the outcome is pure delight! Tart apples engulfed in a not-too-sweet fluffy, buttery cake – true French cooking right out of your own oven. Just the smell of this cake baking will instantly put you in a good mood and the incredible flavor will make you forget all the craziness! In my book, it’s a perfect cake to serve up to your friends, family and relatives during the holidays. It’s easy to make, beautifully tasty, and everyone will be talking how exceptional it is!

 French Apple Cake

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
4 large granny smith apples, pealed, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter an 8-inch springform form pan and set it on a baking sheet.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

To a medium bowl, add the eggs and beat with a whisk until foamy. Add the sugar and whisk to combine then whisk in the vanilla.

Add half the flour mixture to the egg mixture. When combined add half the cooled butter and mix until combined. Repeat with the remaining flour and butter. As a note, the batter will be thick.

Gently fold in the apples into the batter so they are fully coated. Then pour into your prepared pan and smooth top with spatula.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool on a rack for 5 minutes. Then run a blunt knife around the edges of the cake, gently release the springform (to ensure that no apples are stuck to the pan), and remove. Allow the cake to cool until it is just slightly warm or at room temperature. Take care in removing the bottom of the springform pan too and transfer cake to a serving plate.

Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar. Great served warm or at room temperature.

Get ready to create some sweet memories with this French Apple Cake and enjoy the season of holidays!

Bon appétit!

 

{recipe adapted from Epicurious}