French apple cake recipe made the traditional way, with fresh apples and a soft, moist crumb just like in French homes.
This classic French apple cake recipe is inspired by the moelleux aux pommes, a simple everyday cake baked all over France.
As a French baker, this is the version I make at home for its light texture, real apple flavor, and no heavy toppings.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Soft and moist crumb with plenty of fresh apples in every bite
- Truly French-style, not overly sweet or spiced
- Simple ingredients, easy to make any time of year
Ingredients you need
- Vegetable oil: neutral oil like sunflower or grapeseed for a soft, moist crumb (melted butter works but gives a firmer texture).
- Sugar: white granulated sugar or light brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor.
- Eggs: large, at room temperature, for a smooth batter.
- Yogurt: plain yogurt for moisture (can be replaced with buttermilk, sour cream, or Greek yogurt).
- Flour: cake flour for a light texture, or all-purpose flour if needed.
- Leavening: baking powder (or baking soda, using a smaller amount).
- Apples: sweet, juicy apples like Gala, Jonagold, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith.
- Vanilla & salt: essential to balance and enhance flavors.
- Optional flavoring: bitter almond extract, a splash of rum, or lemon zest for a subtle twist.
Tips for the best French apple cake
- Use juicy apples: they release moisture while baking and keep the cake soft and tender.
- Do not overmix the batter: mix just until combined to keep a light, airy texture.
- Cut apples evenly: similar-sized pieces bake at the same rate and distribute better.
- Room temperature ingredients: help create a smooth, well-emulsified batter.
- Bake until just set: a slightly moist crumb is key for an authentic French apple cake.
How to make French apple cake
Whisk the oil and sugar in a large bowl until smooth, then add the eggs, vanilla, and yogurt and mix until fully combined.
Fold in the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) gently, just until the batter is smooth.
Add the apples peeled and cut into slices or chunks, and mix gently to coat them evenly.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) in an 8-inch (20 cm) lined cake pan for 40–50 minutes, until golden and set.
Cool slightly, unmold, and let cool completely before serving, or enjoy slightly warm with powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream.
Serving suggestions
- Serve slightly warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Enjoy plain with coffee or tea, French-style
Storage
- Room temperature: up to 2 days, well covered
- Fridge: up to 5 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: up to 3 months, thaw at room temperature
Recipe variations
- Almond apple cake: add a splash of almond extract or sliced almonds
- Apple pear cake: replace half of the apples with ripe pears
- Spiced apple cake: add cinnamon or vanilla bean seeds
- Quick version: use almond filling with apples for a quicker, bakery-style version
Recipe Questions
What apples are best for French apple cake?
Juicy apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Jonagold work best.
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, but the cake will be slightly firmer and less moist.
Can this cake be made ahead?
Yes, it keeps very well and tastes even better the next day.
More Apple Desserts
I hope you’ll love this recipe! If you try this recipe, feel free to leave a comment. It always helps. Happy baking!
French Apple Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
Description
A classic French apple cake baked in an 8-inch pan, ultra soft and moist, packed with fresh apples and finished with a light crunchy sugar top. A simple, traditional French cake perfect for afternoon coffee or dessert.
Ingredients
- 125 ml (½ cup) Vegetable oil – sunflower oil
- 120 g (⅔ cup) Sugar – granulated
- 2 eggs – at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 125 g (½ cup) Plain yogurt – or buttermilk, sour cream
- 180 g (1 ½ cups) Flour – cake flour
- 1 ½ tsp Baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 apples – peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp cane sugar – for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F / 180°C and grease an 8-inch / 20 cm round cake pan with butter or line with baking paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add the yogurt and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix gently just until smooth.
- Fold in the sliced apples carefully.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the cane sugar evenly on top.
- Bake at half height for 40–50 minutes, until golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan.
Notes
Storage: Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for deeper flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and soft.
- Slice apples thinly so they bake evenly into the cake.
- Let the cake cool fully before slicing for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: cake, coffee cake
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Calories: 251
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 107
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 34
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