Apple Cake, Parisian Style

This Parisian Apple Cake reflects the charm of classic French home baking—simple, elegant, and filled with warm aromas. Unlike many American-style apple cakes that lean heavy or overly spiced, this one stays light and buttery, allowing the apples to take center stage. A hint of dark rum and a whisper of cardamom add subtle depth and a delicate floral finish that balances the apples’ gentle tartness.

Parisian Apple Cake

📝 Ingredients

• 3 large apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1½ tablespoons dark rum
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

🍴 Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Apples
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Toss the diced apples with apple cider vinegar to prevent browning and add a touch of brightness.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom to evenly distribute the spices.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the rum and vanilla extract.

4. Mix and Add Apples
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined; the batter will be thick. Carefully fold in the diced apples until evenly coated.

5. Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining granulated sugar over the top to create a lightly crisp crust. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing, giving the apple juices time to settle and the texture to set.