This French Apple Cake is a humble dessert brings out the natural sweetness of crisp apples while staying simple enough to make on an average weeknight. Yet special enough for any special occasion.
When fall rolls in and the apple trees start offering their bounty, there’s nothing quite like baking up a homemade cake.
Made with everyday pantry staples and apples, this is one of the easiest cakes you’ll ever make from scratch.
Why We Love This Cake on the Homestead
This French Apple Cake has become a seasonal favorite in our farmhouse kitchen.
It’s a great way to use up apples from the orchard or local market and makes the whole house smell like a dream while it bakes.
The inside is soft and tender, while the top develops a beautiful crisp topping from the fruit and sugar caramelizing together.
Rustic French Apple Cake Recipe: A Simple Dessert
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Medium Apples crisp apples, we love a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady (about 4 cups)
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 Cup Butter 2 sticks at room temperature
- 4 Tablespoons Dark Rum Optional, but traditional
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar plus more for dusting
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting once cooled.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the sides of a 9 X 13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Peel and chop the apples into small, even chunks—about 1/2-inch. Set aside. This is a good job for the kids if you’re cooking as a family.4 Medium Apples
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the room temperature eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.4 Large Eggs, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- Slowly mix in the butter, vanilla extract, and dark rum. Beat until just combined.4 Tablespoons Dark Rum, 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract, 1 Cup Butter
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.2 Cups All-Purpose Flour, 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Stir in the chopped apples until well distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, about 2 tablespoons.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown with a slight crisp topping.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve at room temperature.
Notes
If you want a smaller batch for a 9-inch round cake pan cut the recipe in half or use two 9-inch round cake pans. Then line a springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides of the pan. It will come out easier.
Nutrition
Tips from the Homestead Kitchen
- Use what you have. If you’re short on one apple variety, any firm, tart apples will do. A mix adds depth.
- Make it ahead. The flavor actually improves as it rests. It’s even better the next time you slice into it!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4–5 days.
A Cake Worth Sharing
This French Apple Cake isn’t just delicious, it’s a reminder that the best desserts don’t need to be fussy.
With nothing more than a bowl, and a few good apples, you can create a dessert that tastes like a warm hug from the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting neighbors, it’s always a hit.
Serve it as-is or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat that feels like fall in every bite.
My family loved this!