FRENCH SWEET CUSTARD APPLE CAKE

French Sweet Custard Apple Cake image

This recipe from America's test kitchen. If you microwave the apples until they are bendable but not completely soft when cooked, but if snaps in half, it's too firm. Cook for 30 seconds more and test again.When Pre cooked this way,an enzyme is involved,called pectin methylesterase(PME).As your cake batter's temperature climbs...

Provided by Pat Duran

Time 1h40m

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb granny smith apples, peeled, cored, cut into small pieces
1 Tbsp calvados, or apple brandy or white rum or omit
1 tsp lemon juice, fresh
1 c plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 c plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg-plus 2 more large yolks
1 c vegetable oil only
1 c whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
garnish with sifted powdered sugar,optional

Steps:

1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle and heat oven to 325^. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with vegetable spray. Place pan on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Place chopped apples into microwave safe place for about 3 minutes. Toss apples with the Calvados and lemon juice and set aside to let them cool for at least 20 minutes.
2. In a medium bowl whisk 1 cup only of the flour, only 1 cup of the sugar,baking powder, and salt. In a second bowl, whisk the egg, oil, milk and vanilla together until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Transfer 1 cup of batter to another bowl and set aside.
4. Now to the large bowl of batter add the 2 extra egg yolks and whisk to combine. Using a spatula, gently fold in the cooled apples. Evenly spread batter in the prepared pan to the edges, gently pressing on apples to make a compact layer and smooth surface.
5. Whisk remaining 2 Tablespoons flour into the 1 cup of reserved batter. Pour over batter in pan and spread evenly to pan edges and smooth surface. Sprinkle remaining Tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over cake.
6. Bake until center of cake is set and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and top is golden brown, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack; let cook for 5 minutes. Run knife around sides of pan so top does not crack as it cools completely, 2 to 3 hours. Dust lightly with powdered sugar, cut into wedges and serve.
7. Note: Adding the extra flour creates a tender airy top. Adding the 2 extra yolks creates a creamy, dense custard bottom.