Salted Butter Apple Cake: A $2 French Baking Secret!

SALTED BUTTER APPLE CAKE

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Number of Servings: 6

• Ingredients:

  • 4 apples, peeled and diced

  • 3 eggs, separated

  • 110 g (½ cup) caster sugar

  • 100 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour

  • 125 g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) semi-salted butter, melted

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1 pinch salt

  • Optional Caramelized Apple Variation:

    • 35 g (2 ½ tbsp) butter

    • 80 g (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) sugar

    • 60 ml (¼ cup) Calvados, rum, brandy, or water

    • 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) crème fraîche or cream

    • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter and flour a cake tin to prevent sticking—no one likes losing the best bits! Peel the apples and cut them into small, even cubes.

2. Optional caramelized apples: In a skillet, melt the butter and sugar together over medium heat, stirring until golden and bubbly. Add the apples and let them sizzle for a few minutes before pouring in the Calvados (or your chosen liquid). Let it simmer until syrupy, then stir in the cream and cinnamon for a luscious finishing touch. Let cool slightly before adding to the batter.

3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture turns pale and a bit more volume.

4. Add dry ingredients. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and melted butter until the batter is smooth and glossy.

5. Add the apples. Fold in the apple cubes gently.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.

7. Gently fold the whipped whites into the batter in three additions, using a light hand to keep all that lovely air.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared pie or cake pan, and spread it evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let the cake cool. Serve in generous slices with a dollop of crème fraîche or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra je ne sais quoi.