Meta Info
Servings: 9 squares
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Serving: ~260
Intro
This Parisian Apple Cake is the kind of dessert that feels quietly special. Not overly sweet. Not overloaded with frosting. Just tender cake, soft apples, and warm spice in every bite. It’s the type of cake you’d imagine enjoying in a small kitchen, coffee in hand, while it cools on the counter.
What makes this recipe stand out is the apple-forward texture. Instead of hiding inside the batter, the apples are folded generously throughout, giving the cake a moist, almost custardy feel once baked. A touch of rum and warm spices brings depth without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
It’s simple, comforting, and perfect when you want something homemade that feels elegant without extra effort.
Look at the Recipe
- Soft, apple-packed interior with lightly crisp edges
- Warm spice flavor without being overly sweet
- Simple ingredients with a classic French-style feel
Ingredients Needed
- 3 large apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1½ tablespoons dark rum
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, for topping
How to Make Our Parisian Apple Cake
-
Preheat the oven.
Set oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. -
Prepare the apples.
Place diced apples in a bowl and toss with apple cider vinegar. Set aside. -
Mix dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom. -
Cream the butter and sugar.
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and airy. -
Add eggs and flavoring.
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add rum and vanilla extract. -
Combine batter.
Gently mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the apples carefully. -
Bake.
Transfer batter to the prepared pan, sprinkle the top with remaining sugar, and bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. -
Cool before slicing.
Let the cake cool fully for best texture and clean slices.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Serve slightly warm with coffee or tea.
- Pairs beautifully with Greek yogurt or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips & FAQs
Can I skip the rum?
Yes. Replace with apple juice or milk if preferred.
What apples work best?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady hold their shape well.
Can this be made ahead?
Absolutely. The flavor improves slightly after resting overnight.
Can I use a loaf pan instead?
Yes, but increase baking time slightly and check doneness in the center.
Final Thoughts
This Parisian Apple Cake proves that simple desserts often leave the biggest impression. It’s soft, lightly spiced, and filled with real apple flavor—perfect for everyday baking or when you want something quietly elegant.
If you’re looking for a reliable apple cake that feels homemade in the best way, this one belongs in your regular rotation.
