Invisible Apple Cake (Gateaux Invisible)

This Invisible Apple Cake is chock full of apple slices for a cake that is fluffy and moist. It is called an “invisible” cake because the apple is sliced so thinly that it disappears in the cake. To make this apple cake, you begin by mixing eggs with sugar followed by vegetable oil and lemon zest. Next, flour and baking powder get sifted into the oil mixture before being beaten in to form a smooth batter. Finally, milk gets beaten into the batter before sliced apples get stirred in. The mixture bakes into a golden, fluffy cake that is delicious with powdered sugar on top.

What is Invisible Apple Cake?

Invisible apple cake has French origins, and is a cake where the apple slices are sliced so thinly that they get lost in the batter during the baking process. It tends to be golden on the outside with a soft and custardy middle. The result is a dessert that is somewhere between a flan and a cake with soft apple enrobed in a soft custard.

Pro Tips

•  Choose apples that are on the sweeter side for this cake such as Pink Lady, Mcintosh, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Cortlands.
• If you don’t have handheld electric beaters, you could mix the batter for this cake in a stand mixer as well.
• Invisible apple cake doesn’t typically include any spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, but you could feel free to add some if you prefer a spiced apple cake.
• You can insert a skewer or toothpick into the cake to determine when it is done. If it comes out with batter or sticky crumbs, you will know the cake needs longer to bake.
• If you don’t have any apples, you could easily make this invisible apple cake with pears instead.

What to Serve with Invisible Apple Cake?

This invisible apple cake can simply be served with a dusting of icing sugar and your favorite hot beverage. However, if you like, you could also serve slices of this cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

What Temperature Should Invisible Apple Cake Be Served at?

The beauty of invisible apple cake is that it is great served at any temperature. Whether you prefer it chilled, at room temperature, or warmed up, it will be a delicious cake.

Can I Slice the Apples With a Knife?

Yes, you definitely could as long as you are sure to slice the apples as thinly as possible. If in doubt, a mandolin slicer will ensure that you can slice the apples nice and thin.

Does Invisible Apple Cake Freeze Well?

Yes, it does! You can freeze it for up to 3 months! When you want to eat it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving. If you want, you can also warm it a bit in the oven, if you prefer it on the warmer side.

How to Store Invisible Apple Cake

Due to the amount of apples in this recipe, it is best to store in the fridge. It should keep for up to 4 days if covered tightly in the fridge.

How to Make Invisible Apple Cake

Step 1. Peel and core the apples, and slice them thinly using a mandoline slicer. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until thickened and pale yellow.

Step 2: Mix in the vegetable oil and lemon zest.

Step 3: Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture, and beat it in until combined.

Step 4. Beat in the milk in two additions.

Step 5: Gently mix in the apples using a spatula.

Step 6: Pour the batter into a 20cm cake tin that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake it in a 180°C (356°F) oven for 40 minutes.

Step 7: Serve dusted with icing sugar.