The gâteau invisible, also known as the “invisible cake,” is a deceptively simple French dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious. Thinly sliced fruits are arranged in a cake pan, creating the illusion of a cake that’s more fruit than batter. The result is a light, refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.
This recipe will guide you through each step to create your own impressive gâteau invisible, guaranteed to wow your friends and family.
Unveiling the Secrets of the Gâteau Invisible
You might be wondering, what makes this cake “invisible?” The secret lies in the thin layers of fruit, which become translucent as they bake, giving the impression that the cake is almost entirely made of fruit. Don’t be fooled by its delicate appearance, the gâteau invisible is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
Gather Your Ingredients
- 2 pounds apples (about 4 medium), preferably a mix of varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for greasing the pan
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tablespoon rum or brandy (for added flavor)
Tools of the Trade
- 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Rubber spatula
Crafting Your Gâteau Invisible: Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with butter.
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, and core the apples. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving even slices. If using, exercise caution!
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and frothy. Gently whisk in the flour, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Apples and Batter: Add the sliced apples to the batter and toss to coat them evenly.
- Assemble the Cake: Arrange the apple slices in the prepared pan, overlapping them slightly. You can create a circular pattern or get creative with your arrangement. If using, sprinkle the nuts over the apples.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour any remaining batter over the apples. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the cake to set and the flavors to meld.
Tips for Gâteau Invisible Success
- Apple Choice: While apples are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears, plums, or berries.
- Soaking the Apples (optional): To prevent browning, you can soak the apple slices in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice while you prepare the batter.
- Testing for Doneness: If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Serving and Enjoying Your Masterpiece
The gâteau invisible can be served warm or at room temperature. Dust it with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Sliced apples arranged in a cake pan, ready for baking
Gâteau Invisible FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Q: How should I store my gâteau invisible?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
A slice of gâteau invisible on a plate with a fork
We hope you enjoy baking and savoring this delightful French dessert! Share your experience and photos of your culinary creations in the comments below. Bon appétit!
