INVISIBLE APPLE CAKE (GÂTEAU INVISIBLE)

Invisible apple cake, or Gâteau Invisible, is a delightful French dessert that lives up to its intriguing name. The term “invisible” refers to the way the thinly sliced apples seemingly disappear into the batter as the cake bakes, creating a luscious, custard-like texture. This cake is a beautiful and delicious showcase of apples, with the fruit being the star ingredient. It’s light, moist, and bursting with the natural sweetness of apples, making it a perfect dessert for apple lovers and those who appreciate elegant, understated cakes.

The invisible apple cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also visually appealing with its layers of thin apple slices beautifully stacked together. The batter, lightly spiced with vanilla and sometimes a hint of cinnamon, holds the apples together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s an ideal dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal events, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create the invisible apple cake from scratch, with step-by-step instructions to guide you through preparing the apples, making the batter, and assembling the cake. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create this elegant and delicious dessert.

Ingredients

• 6-8 medium-sized apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel and Core: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. The slices should be as thin as possible, ideally about 1/16 inch (1-2 mm) thick. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices.
2. Toss in Lemon Juice (optional): To prevent browning, you can toss the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice. Set the slices aside.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and frothy.
2. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine. Ensure there are no lumps.
4. Add Milk and Butter: Gradually add the milk, mixing until smooth, then stir in the melted butter. The batter should be thin and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Apples and Batter

1. Mix Apples and Batter: Add the thinly sliced apples to the batter, ensuring that each slice is well coated. This step is crucial to achieving the “invisible” layers in the cake.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan or a similar sized baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Layer the Apples: Pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down gently to ensure the apple slices are evenly distributed and compact.
3. Bake: Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove the sides of the springform pan and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake is completely cool, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake and serve it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Perfect Invisible Apple Cake

• Thin Slices: The thinner the apple slices, the better they will integrate into the batter, creating the signature “invisible” layers.
• Apple Variety: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples adds depth of flavor. Good choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples.
• Gentle Mixing: Be gentle when mixing the apples with the batter to avoid breaking the slices.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Ovens vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.

The invisible apple cake is a delicate, flavorful dessert that highlights the natural sweetness and texture of apples. Its unique appearance and delicious taste make it a standout choice for any occasion. Enjoy this elegant cake with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the simple yet sophisticated flavors of this French classic.