Invisible Apple Cake

Discover the delightful invisible apple cake—a moist and fluffy dessert featuring thinly sliced Fuji apples baked to perfection. It has a light and airy texture, combined with the soft and juicy layers of apple, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion!

I am a huge fan of apples and apple desserts. Also, French desserts are one of my favorite things to make and eat, this invisible apple cake recipe is so incredibly easy to make and tastes amazing. I will show you how to make two different styles both of which are amazing.

invisible apple cake! No, it’s not an apple dessert with superpowers, but it is a delicious version of the classic recipe: here the way the apples are cut into very thin slices and added to form layers in the dough so that they melt to perfection.

What is invisible apple cake?

Invisible apple cake, or gâteau invisible aux pommes, hails from France. Known in France as a “Gâteau invisible aux pommes”, this invisible apple cake is a beloved French cake for home bakers and pastry chefs. This dessert is made from fresh apple slices layered with a custardy batter in a loaf pan, and baked until golden.

The very thin apple slices “disappear” when baked, almost binding into the custard – hence the name “invisible”. But you would also think this cake got its name for the fact that it disappears within minutes!

The magic of this cake is that those thin apple slices seem to “disappear” into the batter while baking, creating a beautiful, layered look. And let’s be real—it might also be called “invisible” because it tends to vanish quickly once it hits the table!

Also, what I love about this cake is that it’s all about the apples. There’s way more fruit than cake, which gives it a lighter, healthier feel. When you slice into it, you’ll see those lovely apple layers shining through. The texture is almost like a delicate pudding, making it feel like a fun twist between custard and cake. It’s not overly sweet, so you can really enjoy it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

In short, the “invisible” part comes from how the apples are sliced super thin and mixed right into the batter. When baked, they blend in perfectly, adding moisture and flavor without stealing the show. It’s a delicious way to enjoy apples while still savoring a soft, cake-like treat!

Ingredients of Invisible Apple Cake

• Unsalted Butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level in your recipe.
• Milk: Contributes moisture and helps create a tender crumb. It also aids in dissolving the sugar and distributing the flavors throughout the batter. Milk contributes to the cake’s tender crumb and helps create a smooth batter. I use low-fat milk. You can also use whole milk
• Eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cake. Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s rise. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before mixing them with other ingredients.
• Flour: The primary structure component of the cake. Flour provides the base and helps create the cake’s texture. Use all-purpose flour to make an invisible apple cake recipe. but cake flour will work too.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise by producing carbon dioxide when mixed with wet ingredients. This makes the cake light and fluffy.
• Fuji Apple; The star ingredient! Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, adding flavor, moisture, and texture to the cake. Their thin slices blend seamlessly into the batter, creating the “invisible” effect. Choose apples that are crisp and juicy. Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Fuji, and Ambrosia are all good choices.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a nice balance with the tartness of the apples. I use white granulated sugar but brown sugar will work too.
• Flavoring; I use Vanilla Extract: Which enhances the overall flavor of the cake, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness. You can add cinnamon powder or ground cinnamon too to add a warm aroma.

How to Make Invisible Apple Cake

First thing first, in a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes pale in color and fluffy in texture. This process incorporates air, which helps to create a light and airy cake.

Once the mixture is fluffy, add the melted unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all the wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth.

Next, in the same bowl, sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. The goal is to keep the batter light and airy.

Then, Take the Fuji apples and peel them thoroughly. Once peeled, cut each apple in half and remove the core. Using a mandolin slicer, slice the apples into thin, even pieces. The thin slices will help them blend seamlessly into the batter. Transfer the sliced apples into the batter.

Then, prepare a loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the apple-batter mixture into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. For a decorative touch, arrange some of the leftover apple slices on top in a visually appealing pattern before placing it in the oven.

Bake and Serve!

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, slice the cake and serve it garnished with a dollop of cream or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Finally, Enjoy your delicious invisible apple cake!

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