The Parisian Apple Cake (also known as Gateau de Pommes à la Parisienne) is a simple, rustic French dessert — tender, buttery, and filled with chunks of fresh apple. It’s lightly sweet, a bit custardy inside, and doesn’t need frosting or fuss. Just a dusting of powdered sugar, maybe a dollop of cream.
🍎 Parisian Apple Cake Recipe
🍽 Serves: 6–8
⏱ Time: ~20 min prep + 40 min bake
📝 Ingredients
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3–4 apples (firm-sweet like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
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2/3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour
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3/4 tsp baking powder
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Pinch of salt
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2 large eggs
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3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, but very Parisian!)
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1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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2 tbsp dark rum or Calvados (optional – adds depth)
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Powdered sugar, for serving
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the apples:
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Peel and core apples, then dice into small chunks or thin slices (about 1/2-inch pieces).
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Set aside.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
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In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Make the batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and creamy (about 1–2 minutes).
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Stir in vanilla, almond extract, and rum (if using).
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Slowly whisk in the melted butter.
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Fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
4. Add apples:
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Gently fold apples into the batter — it will look like more apples than batter. That’s perfect.
5. Bake:
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Pour mixture into a buttered 8-inch round or square pan (line with parchment if desired).
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Smooth top with a spatula.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 38–42 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool & serve:
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Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Dust with powdered sugar.
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Serve warm or at room temperature — optionally with crème fraîche, whipped cream, or ice cream.
✅ Tips
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Best eaten the same day, but keeps well for 1–2 days at room temp.
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The texture is meant to be moist and tender, almost like a cross between a cake and a clafoutis.
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Great with a cup of black coffee or tea.