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French Apple Invisible Cake Recipe – Easy Gâteau Invisible aux Pommes

Discover the French Apple Invisible Cake — thinly sliced apples layered in a light batter for a moist, elegant dessert. Easy, quick, and irresistibly French.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 9 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 8
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 medium apples (firm, crisp variety — Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds (for topping)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon for warmth
  • 1 tbsp rum or Calvados for a true French twist
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts for extra texture

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Apples
    Peel, core, and slice the apples as thinly as possible — ideally with a mandoline. The thinner, the better. Place them in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Whisk the Wet Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and airy. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. The mixture should smell like a bakery just opened its doors.
  • Combine the Dry Ingredients
    Sift flour, baking powder, and salt directly into the wet mixture. Gently whisk until the batter is smooth and slightly runny — it will look thin, but that’s exactly what gives this cake its delicate texture.
  • Fold in the Apples
    Add the apple slices into the batter and toss gently until every piece is coated. You should see a glossy mix where apples are clearly the main attraction and the batter merely acts as a binder.
  • Prepare and Fill the Pan
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf or square pan with parchment paper. Pour in the apple mixture, pressing lightly to layer the slices evenly.
  • Add the Finishing Touches
    Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for a golden crunch. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean, with just a trace of moist crumb.
  • Cool, Slice, and Serve
    Let the cake cool completely before slicing — patience pays off here. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar. Slice gently with a sharp knife and serve as is, or alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.