French Apple Cake

French Apple Cake

• Cooking spray or butter, for coating the pan
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3 medium apples crisp/tart apples
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup spiced rum
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for serving

Arrange a rack in the middle of the and heat oven to 350ºF. Meanwhile, coat an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray or butter, then line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. Melt 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter. Peel, core, and dice 3 apples.

Whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon fine salt together in a medium bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in a large bowl until fluffy. Add the melted butter, 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup spiced rum, and 1 teaspoon vanilla, and whisk to combine. Add the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Add the apples and fold until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before carefully removing from pan (loosen the sides by running a thin knife around the edge if needed first). Dust with powdered sugar and serve.