Parisian Apple Cake: Rustic Elegance in Every Bite

How to Make Parisian Apple Cake

1. Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square or round baking pan. Peel the apples, core them, and cut them into chunky cubes—not thin slices. Big pieces are key to the cake’s signature texture.

2. Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale and slightly thickened. Slowly whisk in the melted butter, followed by the vanilla and rum (if using). The mixture should look glossy and smooth.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should remain light.

4. Fold in the Apples

Add the apple chunks and fold them in generously. It may seem like there are too many apples, but that’s exactly what you want. The batter should barely coat them.

5. Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle a little sugar over the top if you like a subtle crunch. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This resting time allows the interior to set properly. Slice into squares or wedges and serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

How to Enjoy It

Parisian apple cake is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A cup of strong coffee or tea

• A spoonful of lightly whipped cream

• A dusting of powdered sugar for a café-style finish

It also keeps well for a day or two, becoming even more tender as the apples continue to meld with the crumb.