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The name Invisible Apple Cake may sound enigmatic. Could it be a figment of my imagination posing as a Healthy Dessert Recipe? Far from it, my friends. It’s very much real, and its simple deliciousness will blow you away.
This French dessert, referred to as “gâteau invisible aux pommes”, derives its name from the apple slices that seem to disappear into an airy batter. It provides a pleasingly different experience compared to traditional, heavier apple pies or excessively sweet cakes.
And so today, I am breaking my own (self-imposed) rules. In the spirit of honesty, I must admit that this Invisible Apple Cake does contain sugar, butter, and white flour. Oh dear, you say. This does not seem to align with the Mediterranean Diet.
Well actually, it does. the amounts of these ingredients are so minimal that this essentially qualifies as a fruit dessert. Desserts can be part of a balanced Mediterranean Diet, particularly when abundant in fruit! The key is moderation and frequency, reserving treats for special occasions. But considering it only contains 8 grams of added sugar and 2 grams of saturated fat, this certainly qualifies as a Healthy Dessert Recipe.
So do not hesitate to try this at home! Your taste buds will thank me.
Ingredients
This Easy Healthy Dessert is made of very few ingredients. Here is what you’ll need to make an Invisible Apple Cake:
- Apples: The star ingredient, apples, bring in natural sweetness to this healthy apple cake recipe. They are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber.
- Eggs: Eggs add structure and richness to the cake. They’re a great source of high-quality protein and vitamins.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Flour: Flour provides body to the cake as it absorbs the moisture from the apples and wet ingredients.
- Butter: Just a small amount of butter adds moisture and flavor. It’s also a source of fat-soluble vitamins.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise so it has a light mouthfeel.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter. Milk is a good source of calcium and Vitamin D.
- Vanilla: For a warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch to strengthen the gluten and enhance all the other flavors.
What Apples to Use for this Invisible Apple Cake?
Choose apples that are crisp and juicy. There is very little added sugar in the recipe, so tart apples like Granny Smith are not recommended. Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Fuji, Ambrosia are all good choices.
Step-by-step How to Make
My first encounter with this invisible apple pie was at my niece’s home in France, and it was love at first bite. The fact that she managed to prepare it with her 4-year-old daughter assisting highlights how simple the recipe is!
See full recipe below for details
Expert Tips
- Instead of a handheld mixer, you can use a stand mixer.
- A mandolin can be utilized to cut the apples, though I personally find that using a knife yields better results. Strive for slices that are 1 to 2 mm thick.
- In this recipe, you’ll notice that I’ve used gram measurements. Using metric measurements for baking recipes is generally more accurate and precise, which can lead to better results. If you don’t have access to a scale that measures in grams and milliliters, feel free to use the approximate imperial equivalents I’ve provided.
- You can prepare this recipe a day in advance. Once it has cooled down, simply cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Variations
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten free option.
- You could substitute olive oil for the butter, honey for the sugar, and white whole wheat flour for the all purpose flour. However, I haven’t tested any of these substitutions as of yet. I may do it one of these days, but this recipe is so perfect as it is I am afraid to change anything.
- Add spices like cinnamon into the batter for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
- This Invisible Apple Cake is equally delicious served warm, at room temperature or cold.
- It makes for a delicious breakfast too, providing a good amount of fiber, protein and calcium.
- Top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt flavored with vanilla and honey for an extra touch of decadence.
Storage Instructions
Store this Invisible Apple Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a healthy holiday dessert or a simple, healthy dessert for everyday indulgence, this Invisible Apple Cake recipe is a winner. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of apples in a dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to love!
More Delicious Recipes
Invisible Apple Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 Apples sweet and crisp, small (or 3 large), about 1.5 lb
- 2 eggs
- 50 g sugar (about 1/4 cup)
- 70 g all purpose flour (about 1/2 cup)
- 12 g baking powder (2 tsp)
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 100 ml 2% low fat milk (about 3.5 oz)
- 20 g butter (about 1-1/2 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place eggs and sugar in a large bowl. Whisk them together using a handheld mixer until the mixture lightens in color.
- Incorporate the melted butter, milk, and vanilla into the mixture by beating it until it's well combined.
- Sift flour, salt and baking powder into the bowl, then beat the mixture again until it is smooth.
- Quarter the apples, remove the core and peel them. Slice them very thin (approximately 1 to 2 mm thick or 1/32"). As you slice the apples, add them into the bowl.
- Once all apples are sliced, toss them with the batter in the bowl to ensure they are all coated.
- Prepare the baking dish by buttering and flouring it. Pour the apple-batter mix into the dish, lightly shaking it to eliminate any air pockets, and smooth out the top.
- Bake 35 minutes. Allow it to cool down in the dish before serving it, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- Choose apples that are crisp and juicy. There is very little added sugar in the recipe, so tart apples like Granny Smith are not recommended. Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Fuji, Ambrosia are all good choices.
- Instead of a handheld mixer, you can use a stand mixer.
- A mandolin can be utilized to cut the apples, though I personally find that using a knife yields better results. Strive for slices that are 1 to 2 mm thick.
- In this recipe, you’ll notice that I’ve used gram measurements. Using metric measurements for baking recipes is generally more accurate and precise, which can lead to better results. If you don’t have access to a scale that measures in grams and milliliters, feel free to use the approximate imperial equivalents I’ve provided.
- This cake is equally delicious served warm, at room temperature or cold.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This is delicious! It’s a lovely light dessert. We enjoyed it with lightly sweetened yogurt, but it’s also very nice without. 😊
Thank you so much, Karen! Glad you enjoyed it!
This is an instant classic and amazing dessert to join the Thanksgiving Day table! Delicious! I hope you will share more healthy dessert recipes!
Delicious and so easy to make! I served it with a little caramel sauce drizzled on top. Yummmm
So glad you liked it! A caramel drizzle sounds delicious!