Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld together. Store in the fridge and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Invisible Apple Cake — Layers of Pure Apple Bliss 🍎

Name: Invisible Apple Cake — Layers of Pure Apple Bliss 🍎
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Eggs; Powdered sugar; Unsalted butter, melted and cooled; Milk; Vanilla paste or extract; Lemon zest; Baking powder; Salt; All-purpose flour; Apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; Apricot preserves; Water

A light, custard-like cake made almost entirely of thin apple slices held together by a delicate vanilla-scented batter — the ultimate apple lover’s dream dessert.

🍎 Invisible Apple Cake — Layers of Pure Apple Bliss

Few desserts capture the essence of autumn quite like the Invisible Apple Cake. Originating from France as Gâteau Invisible aux Pommes, this delicate treat is made almost entirely of thin apple slices, bound together with a lightly sweet, vanilla-scented batter. The result? A dessert that’s part custard, part cake — and entirely irresistible. ✨

🥣 A Cake Made Mostly of Apples

What sets this cake apart is its astonishing apple-to-batter ratio. Six large apples are sliced paper-thin and folded into a minimal amount of batter, creating those stunning translucent layers once baked. Each bite bursts with the natural sweetness and juiciness of apples, making it a dream come true for fruit dessert lovers. 🍏🍎

The subtle notes of vanilla and lemon zest lift the flavors beautifully, while the apricot glaze adds a glossy finish worthy of a French patisserie. Despite its refined look, this recipe is simple enough for any home baker — no mixer, no fuss, just pure apple magic.

🧁 When to Serve It

This light yet satisfying cake is perfect for:

A cozy breakfast or brunch treat ☕
An elegant dessert after dinner 🍽️
A lovely afternoon tea centerpiece 🍰

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar for a more delicate experience.

🍋 Tips for Success

✅ Use a mandoline slicer for ultra-thin, even apple slices — this ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✅ Mix apple varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for balance between sweetness and tang.
✅ Cool before glazing to maintain that shiny, bakery-style finish.

💡 Why You’ll Love It

Naturally light and not overly sweet 🍏
Beautiful layered presentation
No special equipment needed
Keeps well and tastes better the next day

This Invisible Apple Cake is a minimalist masterpiece — simple ingredients, elegant results. Whether you’re baking for guests or indulging yourself on a slow Sunday morning, it’s the kind of dessert that reminds you how beautiful baking can be. ✨

🧠 FAQ

Q: What makes this cake “invisible”?
The thin apple slices become one with the light batter as they bake, creating a custard-like interior where the apples are almost “invisible.”

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge and enjoy slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Q: Can I substitute the apricot glaze?
You can use apple jelly, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

⭐ Author: Manuela (cookwithmanuela) adapted by JojoM
📖 Source: Invisible Apple Loaf Cake Recipe