Description
A refined French classic featuring a light, custard-like crumb and a high fruit-to-batter ratio. This rustic masterpiece is finished with a signature crackling sugar crust that perfectly complements the soft, rum-infused apples within.
Ingredients
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4 to 3/8-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar (plus 3 tablespoons for topping)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Place the diced apples in a large bowl and toss gently with the apple cider vinegar to prevent oxidation.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the room-temperature butter with 1/2 cup of white sugar and the light brown sugar for 3 to 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time on high speed, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a stable emulsion.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dark rum and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a flexible spatula by hand just until no white streaks remain.
- Gently fold the diced apples into the thick batter until evenly distributed, then transfer to the prepared pan.
- Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of white sugar evenly over the surface.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is deep golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing it and placing it on a serving plate sugar-side up.
Notes
To ensure a perfectly airy texture, take the time to cream your butter and sugars until they are visibly lighter in color. If you are serving this for a special occasion, a dollop of unsweetened crème fraîche provides an excellent acidic balance to the sweet, crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French