Invisible Apple Cake

Yumna Jawad

Published Sep 01, 2025

4.94 from 16 reviews

This invisible apple cake is made with thin slices of Honeycrisp apples layered in a custard-like batter, then baked in the oven.

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings
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Invisible apple cake recipe with a slice removed showing layers of custard and thin apple slices.
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The Invisible Cake I didn’t know I loved

I was in Paris for spring break with my kids, taking them on a food tour to taste all the treats Paris is known for, when I also discovered one I had never tried before, Invisible Apple Cake! In France, they call it Gâteau Invisible because it’s made with many thin slices of apples that seem to melt into the batter after baking, making them almost “invisible”.

This invisible apple cake has a custard-like batter that reminds me of eating crepes and French toast, which is so unique and delicious! The best part, though, is the thin layers of baked apples when you cut into it, making it a really fun cake to make for guests this fall.

Happy Baking!
– Yumna

This recipe is part of our monthly Cooking Challenge for September 2025!

Invisible Apple Cake Ingredients

Ingredients for recipe: peeled whole apples, milk, sugar, flour, vanilla, eggs, spices, and melted butter.
  • Apples: Honeycrisp are ideal, slice them very thin (about ⅛ inch) using a mandoline so they layer neatly and bake evenly into the custardy batter.
  • Dry Ingredients: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Whisk these together first to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
  • Wet Ingredients: Eggs (room temp), whole milk, melted unsalted butter (cooled slightly), and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth before combining with the dry mix.
  • For the Pan: Light cooking spray plus parchment paper helps the cake release cleanly.

How to Make Invisible Apple Cake

Peeled and cored apple on a mandolin.
Step 1: Using a mandoline set to ⅛ inch, carefully slice the peeled and cored whole apples into rings.
Thinly sliced apple rounds and halves on a plate.
Step 2: Cut the apple slices in half and set aside.
Eggs in a large bowl.
Step 3: In a large bowl, add the eggs.
Light and foamy whisked eggs with milk and vanilla added and hand pouring in melted butter from the side of bowl.
Step 4: Whisk the eggs until light and foamy. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully combined.
Egg mixture in a bowl with dry ingredients added on top.
Step 5: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
After mixing the batter with apple slices added on top.
Step 6: Add the sliced apples to the batter and gently toss until all the slices are evenly coated.
After all apples are added with the reserved apples slices fanned out on top and remaining batter poured over.
Step 7: Layer the apple slices into the prepared pan a handful at a time, spreading them out and pressing down lightly as you go. Pour any remaining batter over the top and smooth it out.
Apple cake after baking.
Step 8: Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Invisible apple cake recipe.

Invisible Apple Cake Recipe

Author: Yumna Jawad
4.94 from 16 reviews
This invisible apple cake is made with thin slices of Honeycrisp apples layered in a custard-like batter, then baked in the oven.
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Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings8 servings
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Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
  • Using a mandoline set to ⅛ inch, carefully slice the peeled and cored whole apples into rings. The slices should be very thin and flexible. Use a safety guard or cut-resistant glove when slicing. Then, cut the apple slices in half and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until light and foamy. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully combined.
  • Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
  • Add the sliced apples to the batter and gently toss until all the slices are evenly coated.
  • Layer the apple slices into the prepared pan a handful at a time, spreading them out and pressing down lightly as you go. Pour any remaining batter over the top and smooth it out.
  • Place the loaf pan on a sheet pan to catch any spills. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Equipment

Notes

Storage: Let the cake cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Since it has a custard-like texture from the apples, refrigeration keeps it fresh and prevents it from getting soggy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 291kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 84mg, Sodium: 158mg, Potassium: 188mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 412IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 71mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below!

Recipe Tips

  1. Use a mandoline. For best results, slice the apples very thin, about 1/16 to ⅛ inch thick. A mandoline slicer makes this easier and keeps the slices even, which helps the apples cook properly and creates the cake’s beautiful layers. If you slice by hand, go slowly to keep the pieces uniform.
  2. Let it cool completely or chill for clean slices: Cooling for about 2 hours helps the custardy cake set so it doesn’t fall apart when cut.

FAQs

How do I store Invisible Apple Cake?

Let the cake cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Since it has a custard-like texture from the apples, refrigeration keeps it fresh and prevents it from getting soggy.

Can I freeze Invisible Apple Cake?

I would avoid freezing because the apples are sliced very thin and layered throughout. When thawed, they can turn mealy, watery, or change texture.

Slice of invisible apple cake on a plate with a bite on a fork resting on plate.

More Apple Dessert Recipes

4.94 from 16 votes

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Comments

  1. Jill says:

    I’ll make it again and again!

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