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Bet you didn't know when you started following The Café, you'd be traveling all around the world! ......... well at least in a culinary sense, that is. In the past 18 months, we've traveled to all sorts of fun and exotic destinations - Korea, Vietnam, Ireland, England and many more. For the next few days, we'll be having epicurean adventures straight from the heart of France. You'll love each of these delightful seasonal recipes.
Especially this delicious French Apple Cake. It's the type of simple, fabulous dessert you might enjoy in an outdoor Parisian bistro on the Rue Claire or overlooking the lovely Seine River. Maybe you'd rather enjoy your dessert on a Riviera terrace-cafe with the brilliant, turquoise Mediterranean sparkling below. Are you more of the French-Provencal type? This delicious dessert would be quite at home in a quaint country village with sweet, ripe apples harvested from the lovely local orchards.
- Ingredients for the caramel:
- ¾ cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3 apples sliced thinly
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Ingredients for the cake:
- ¾ cups sugar
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
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Preheat oven to 350˚F (170˚ C). Spray a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray.
-
For the caramel, heat ¾ cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water over medium-low heat. Do not stir, continue cooking, swirling the pan from frequently to keep from burning. Remove from heat when golden brown and swirl pan till bubbling stops.
-
Pour caramelized mixture into the bottom of a spring form pan. Arrange apple slices on top of caramel in a circular pattern. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Set aside.
-
Beat together the other ¾ cup of sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add cream cheese and beat until smooth. Add the eggs, one by one beating well and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
-
Combine the flour and baking soda in a small bowl, then add to the batter gradually, beating until just moistened. Stir in the vanilla. Gently spread the batter over the apples and caramel.
-
Bake at 350˚F ( 170˚ C) for about 40 -50 minutes or until golden and toothpick or skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes. Invert onto a serving tray. Serve warm.
Dining Alone says
wow, I really hope you are getting to go to France, that would be so awesome!! That cake looks delicious.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Oh how I'd love a years supply of Maldon! You sure they don't want to make an exception for an Aussie?!
My guess.. are you going to a French part of Canada? (just making my guess a little bit different!).
Patty says
Beautiful cake and the apple slices on top look just perfect;-) I hope you're working on a cookbook;-)
Hotly Spiced says
Because you won an all-expenses paid business class trip to the South of France where you'll be staying in a Chateau with a private chef and attending his cooking classes. I'm so envious! (And I can't find your FB button so I'm going to look you up through my FB site and like you that way!) xx
Ashleigh says
Love your blog! Your recipes always look so amazing, and your sweet spirit makes the posts so encouraging to read. 🙂 My initial guess was that you're planning a trip to France...but since so many people have already guessed that, I'll go out on a limb and guess that your daughter and family are moving there??
By the way, I like you on FB. 🙂
bellini says
I hope you are heading to France on a little holiday sponsored by Maldon Salt, or have at least partnered with them.
Andrea says
Are you celebrating something? A wish come true?
I love your cake! and the pictures!! I can taste the caramelized crust just looking at it:)
Tracey says
Love the looks of this. I will be making soon, I just got a bunch of apples.
My guess on the French theme this week is to honor the name of your blog since it's all French words.
Angie's Recipes says
A spectacular apple cake! I am totally tempted.
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
What a beautiful cake, Chris. Tell us the secret...are you going to France sometime soon? I can imagine nibbling on a piece of cake just like this in one of the lovely bistros on rue Cler. I'll be there next April and will do exactly that.
The Mom Chef says
I think you're working on a cookbook too. If that's not it, you should do so. Feature this cake prominently. Wow, it's gorgeous. Such thin, perfect slices of apple. I'm in love.
Since I still have a good supply of Maldon Sea Salt, given to me by an amazing lady, even though I follow, like and connect with you, I'll let it go at this one comment. 🙂
rosaria williams says
It looks divine! Thanks for sharing this.
Rosemary says
Can you believe that this is the third time I've read about French apple cakes this week! I made one version that had Greek yogurt in it. I'm anxious to try the cream cheese and compare the two.
My guess is that you're publishing a cookbook!
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook says
Beautiful cake, looks delicious! Will you be going to France? Or having a visitor from France? I'm looking forward to the posts!
Chatty Crone says
Okay first of all that cake is simple exquisite!
I have no idea why. But let me guess. Canada is celebrating Thanksgiving today. And since France had a lot to do with Canada - they speak French right (?) they are celebrating.
Good morning.
Sandra Lee says
Wish I had seen this recipe a couple of weeks ago. I will surely try this one next time. Are you traveling to France soon?
Casey m. Niehoff says
This cake looks delicious. I'm looking forward to the posts this week. I love french food.
Kim Garceau says
This is actually a very very nice cake!!!!! Trip to France????? I'll definitly go there:)
jabreb says
The reason for posting French is because YOU are going to France!! I hope so.
Blond Duck says
That cake is so pretty!
The Café Sucré Farine says
What a great guess and what an exciting time for you Susan. I'll be anxious to hear about your adventures in France!
Susan says
Beautiful cake. I know, I know, the answer to your question. The reason you are posting all French recipes this week is......because I am leaving for France on Oct 18 for 2 1/2 weeks!! Right? Your post has just gotten me more excited for our trip. Will look forward to ALL week. Susan
Jenn A says
That cake looks amazing! I always crave a good apple cake at this time of year. I follow you by RSS feed and love reading about the delicious food you make. My guess is that YOU are traveling to France sometime soon. What fun! I'd love to go there someday.
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Your cake looks beautiful!! I cheated and looked up French Holidays on google, there aren't any coming up, except for Chestnut Day! lol My guess is your going to partner up with someone in France and open "The Cafe Sucre Farine".
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Beautiful cake, the caramelized apple topping is divine!