The Milk Street YouTube channel recently posted a video titled “Best Recipe You’ve Never Heard of: Invisible Apple Cake.” Obviously, I had to click on it and watch it. In the past few weeks, I have started looking at uses for my mandoline, and as a lover of Apple Cakes, this was a must-watch and must-try. It took no time at all (I took all safety precautions, unlike Mr. Kimball), and it came out incredibly. I intended not to post this, as it was more for my mandoline use topic rather than lunch, but why not have a slice (or two) for lunch?
Their cookbook The New Rules, perfectly matches what I am sharing as The Lunch Pro.
Over the years, I have enjoyed the relatable recipes, insights, and kitchen education from Christopher Kimball. He founded “America’s Test Kitchen” after launching the “Cook’s Illustrated” magazine. He has since founded “Milk Street,” a multimedia cooking enterprise with a magazine, television show, and cooking school. His work simplifies global flavors and techniques, making them accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Kimball confidently empowers individuals to explore diverse cuisines in their kitchens through his approachable recipes and practical cooking advice. This is also part of The Lunch Pro’s Mission.
Find the full recipe on the Milk Street website or buy the complete recipe book, Milk Street Bakes.
This elegant dessert masterfully combines thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples (or Gala as a substitute) with a delicate cake batter, creating layers of pure delight. Using a mandoline to achieve precise 1/16-inch apple slices guarantees perfect texture and consistency throughout the cake. The magic happens in a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, where alternating layers of apples and batter transform into a golden-brown masterpiece at 375°F. Once cooled, serve this showstopper with spiced caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar. The secrets behind achieving those perfectly hidden apple layers are easier than you might think.
The selection of apples is essential for creating an exceptional Apple Cake Delight. Honeycrisp apples reign supreme in this recipe, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that elevates the cake’s overall flavor profile.
For those unable to source Honeycrisp apples, Gala apples are a worthy alternative, maintaining the desired taste and texture. The key lies in the precise slicing technique—each apple should be cut to a mere 1/16-inch thickness, ensuring uniform baking and proper melding with the dense batter.
Professional bakers swear by using a mandoline to achieve these paper-thin slices. Remember, consistency in thickness isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s vital for ensuring each bite delivers the perfect harmony of tender apple and rich cake.
Mastering the apple layering technique forms the cornerstone of a successful Apple Cake Delight. The key lies in achieving precise, uniform slices—about 1/16 inch thick—which creates the distinctive dense texture that sets this cake apart from its airier cousins.
Using a mandoline slicer becomes your secret weapon here. Position each Honeycrisp apple slice intentionally, overlapping them slightly to prevent gaps. Think of it as creating a delicate apple mosaic, where each layer contributes to beauty and flavor.
Remember to alternate between apple layers and batter carefully. This systematic approach prevents unwanted air pockets that could compromise the cake’s signature texture. When done correctly, your cross-sections will reveal stunning layers that make guests wonder, “How did you do that?”
Creating Apple Cake Delight requires specific kitchen tools to achieve professional results. A high-quality mandoline is your most essential ally, guaranteeing the whisper-thin, 1/16-inch apple slices that make this cake truly special.
A 9-by-5-inch loaf pan creates the perfect canvas for your masterpiece. Don’t forget the parchment paper—it’s your insurance policy against stuck cake syndrome! A reliable cooking spray doubles the guarantee that your creation will release perfectly.
You’ll also need precise measuring tools: a digital kitchen scale for measuring flour (130 grams makes all the difference), a sharp vegetable peeler for the apples, and mixing bowls of various sizes. Trying to mix this batter in a bowl that is too small can lead to some interesting kitchen acrobatics.
Once your perfectly prepared Apple Cake Delight has cooled completely, presenting this stunning dessert demands careful attention to detail. After removing the cake from the pan, allow it to reach room temperature, which typically takes about 45 minutes.
Slice this dense beauty with a sharp, serrated knife using gentle sawing motions for the most impressive presentation. Each slice will reveal the mesmerizing layers of thinly sliced apples nestled within the rich batter.
Serve individual portions on dessert plates, accompanied by the recommended spiced caramel sauce and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the golden-brown cake and white cream creates an eye-catching display.
For extra flair, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin apple slices just before serving.
Success with this apple cake hinges on several fundamental techniques that guarantee perfect results every time. The most significant step is achieving uniformly thin apple slices, ideally 1/16 inch thick, using a mandoline for consistency.
Temperature control plays a vital role in this recipe. Ensure your oven is precisely calibrated to 375°F, as even small variations can affect the final texture. The middle rack position is non-negotiable for even heat distribution.
When layering the ingredients, take extra care to eliminate air pockets between apple slices and batter. Think of it as building a delicate tower – each layer should nestle snugly against the next.
Let patience be your secret ingredient. The full cooling time might seem excessive, but it’s crucial for achieving those picture-perfect slices that make this cake Instagram-worthy.
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