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Moist Invisible Apple Cake Recipe with Perfect Caramelized Layers

moist invisible apple cake - featured image

A moist and light apple cake featuring paper-thin apple slices layered with caramelized apples, delivering a cozy and comforting dessert with a delicate texture and rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium-sized firm, tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Braeburn)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Slice about 3 medium apples into paper-thin rounds (approximately 1/16-inch or 1.5mm thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife. Set aside.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Stir until melted and bubbly.
  4. Add half the apple slices in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and soft but not mushy. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining apple slices.
  5. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  7. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  8. Thinly slice the last apple and fold it gently into the batter.
  9. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the caramelized apple slices evenly over this layer.
  10. Pour the remaining batter on top and gently smooth the surface.
  11. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  12. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use a mandoline for consistent thin apple slices. Caramelize apples over medium heat to avoid burning. Fold batter gently to keep cake moist and tender. If top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Let cake rest 15 minutes before slicing for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cake, invisible apple cake, caramelized apples, moist apple cake, easy apple dessert, fall dessert, cozy dessert