French Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful French apple cake featuring tender apples, crunchy pecans, and a hint of vanilla, perfect for dessert or teatime gatherings. Suitable for all seasons.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooking oil, applesauce, sugar, and eggs; beat for 3 minutes at medium speed.
- Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and vanilla to the mixture.
- Beat until smooth.
- Fold in the peeled and small-cut apples and chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider replacing half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts make a great substitute for pecans. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon for extra flavor. Make sure the apples are cut into uniform pieces to ensure even baking.
Serving Suggestions
This French Apple Cake is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Whipped Cream Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover French Apple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Apple Cake contains roughly 779 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1108mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, adds great flavor and texture to the cake. The tartness complements the sweetness of the cake nicely.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake a day in advance. Just ensure it cools completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap. This will help retain moisture and enhance the flavor as it sits.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this French Apple Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, especially the baking soda.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).