In this Instructable, I will show you how to make an Invisible Apple Cake (Gateau Invisible). This French recipe is awesome especially if you like apples. I show two different styles, both of which are super yummy. And they are so easy to make! This cake is incredibly popular in Japan. It needs to get more popular in the States because it is amazing.

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Follow the easy steps below, watch the video tutorial, or do both! :)

Supplies

Ingredients:

1 cup of all-purpose flour (120g)
1/2 tsp of cinnamon (1g)
1/4 tsp of nutmeg (1g)
1/4 tsp of salt (1g)
3 large apples - Honey Crisp, Granny Smith, etc.
1 tsp of lemon juice, optional (5g)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup of sugar (100g)
1/2 cup of milk - whole milk, 2%, skim, almond, etc. (120g)
2 Tbsp of butter, melted (28g)
1/2 cup of sliced almonds (50g)

Tools:

Bowls
Whisk
8x4-inch loaf pan
Parchment paper
Knife
Peeler

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350F/176C.

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Step 2: Rinse, Peel, and Slice the Apples

Now prep the apples. Rinse and dry them. Then peel them with a knife or peeler.

Cut down the core, then slice them until you are left with apple slices that are about an 8th of an inch thick. Place the slices in a bowl. You could add a tsp of lemon juice if you want as well.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, and melted butter. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract if you like. 1/2 tsp.

Dump in all the dry ingredients and whisk until you are left with a very runny batter. Kind of like a thin pancake batter.

Step 4: Bake

Add the sliced apples to the batter and fold and stir with a spoon to make sure all the apples are coated with the batter. Then scoop the apples and place them in an 8x4-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. You can also use shortening and flour on the pan instead of parchment paper.

Top the cake with the sliced almonds.

Bake at 350F/176C for 40 minutes. Then cover with foil and bake for another 10 minutes.

Allow the cake to cool completely, for at least an hour, before slicing it.

Step 5: Serve That Cake

Now you can remove the cake from the pan and slice it. You will notice that the apple slices kind of blend in with the cake, hence the name "invisible apple cake."

Serve it plain or add a caramel sauce and whipped cream, powdered sugar, or ice cream.

Step 6: Traditional Style Invisible Apple Cake

What I showed above is probably my favorite way to make it, although it isn't as traditional. Here is the more traditional style.

Prepare it the same way, however, leave out 1/4 cup of flour, and leave out the cinnamon, and nutmeg. I also show it how it looks without the almonds which can be left off as well.

This version, again which is more traditional, has more of a custardy center around the apples. After it is done baking you need to let it cool for about an hour at room temperature then in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours or even overnight to set properly.

Both versions are amazing. I encourage you to make them both and see which way you like better.

Enjoy!

*Print the invisible apple cake recipe here if you want.