French Apple Cake

Source

Milk Street

Special Equipment

• 9" springform or round cake pan
• 12" non-stick skillet
• Small heat-proof bowl
• A second small bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Large plate on which to cool cooked appless

Preheat Oven

1. Preheat to 375°F

Ingredients

• 113g (4oz) unsalted butter
• 7 grams of salt, divided into 3 grams and 4 grams
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 680 grams (1 ½ pounds) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into ¼-inch slices
• 454 grams (1 pound) Braeburn or Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and cut into ¼-inch slices
• 149 grams (12 tablespoons) white sugar, divided into:
  • 25 grams (2 tablespoons)
  • 113 grams (9 tablespoons)
  • 12 grams (1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons brandy or Calvados
• 95g (3oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

Prep Pan

1. Butter and flour the 9" springform or cake pan.

Melt Butter

1. Add butter and 4 grams salt to a 12" non-stick skillet
2. Cook on medium-high heat, swirling the skilled frequently until the milk solids are golden brown; about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Pour butter into a small heat-proof bowl, without scraping the skillet; leaving excess butter for the next step.
4. Add allspice to butter and stir. Set aside.

Apples

1. Add all of the apples to the still-hot skillet.
2. Add the 25 grams (2 tbsp) sugar and 3 grams of salt.
3. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are starting to brown and liquid has evaporated; about 15 minutes.
4. Add brandy and cook till evaporated; about 30 seconds.
5. Transfer cooked apples to a large plate, spread into a single layer, and refrigerate till cool; about 30 minutes.

Cake Batter

Once the apples are cool…

1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and baking power.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla, and 113 grams (9 tbsp) sugar.
3. Into the eggs/sugar, gradually whisk in the browned butter.
4. Using a rubber spatula, stir in flour mixture.
5. Add cooled apples; fold until well combined.

Pour into Pan

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
2. Spread into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle remaining 12 grams (1 tbsp) sugar over top of batter.

Bake

1. Bake until cake is deeply browned; 35 to 40 minutes.
2. Let cool 10 minutes; run a knife around the edge of the pan.
3. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.