Moist and Easy FRENCH Apple Raisin Cake Recipe

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If you’re looking for an easy apple raisin cake that pairs perfectly with a cozy evening or a favorite series like Bridgerton. This recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful apple raisin cake will transport you to the elegant world of the English aristocracy, where indulgent desserts were a highlight of afternoon tea. The sweetness of the apples blends beautifully with the rich flavor of the raisins, creating a harmonious balance that makes this raisin cake irresistible.

Not only is this apple cake recipe incredibly flavorful, but it’s also simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. It’s the ideal dessert for gatherings with friends or a relaxing family evening. This easy apple raisin cake’s soft texture and inviting aroma make it perfect for any occasion.

Making this French-inspired dessert is straightforward and rewarding. One bite, and you’ll understand why this apple raisin cake is the ultimate comfort food—warming hearts and making every moment special.

Easy Apple Raisin Cake Recipe: Perfect for Fall, Thanksgiving, and Holiday Baking

This easy apple raisin cake is the perfect dessert for cozy fall evenings, festive Thanksgiving gatherings, or as the centerpiece of your holiday baking lineup. Combining tender slices of fresh apples with the rich sweetness of rum-soaked raisins, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. It’s one of the best apple raisin cakes for Christmas, with its golden, crunchy crust and moist, flavorful interior making it irresistible to guests.

The apple cake recipe features simple steps and everyday ingredients like eggs, butter, and flour, ensuring it’s accessible even for beginner bakers. A touch of potato starch ensures a soft texture, while a sprinkle of raw cane sugar adds a delightful crunch. Perfect as a fall dessert idea with apples, this cake is also an excellent addition to your collection of autumn cakes with apples and raisins.

Whether served warm on the day it’s baked or prepared ahead for deeper flavors, this holiday baking recipe with raisins will fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Which apples are best for a French Apple Raisin Cake?

When it comes to making the perfect apple raisin cake or any apple cake recipe, there isn’t a single apple variety that stands out as the “best.” Instead, several types of apples work exceptionally well, thanks to their unique qualities. Some provide a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity, while others hold their shape beautifully during baking, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Here are the top apple varieties for your easy apple raisin cake:

Granny Smith: These tart apples are a classic choice for desserts, offering a zesty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
Jonathan: Slightly sweet with a hint of acidity, Jonathan apples create a nuanced and well-rounded flavor profile.
Honeycrisp: Known for their natural sweetness and juiciness, Honeycrisp apples are ideal if you prefer a less tart, sweeter cake.

Ultimately, the best apples for your raisin cake depend on your taste. For a rich and balanced flavor, try mixing different varieties to achieve the perfect blend of sweetness, tartness, and texture. Whether you’re baking for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or holiday celebrations, the choice of apples can elevate your apple raisin cake recipe to a whole new level.

How to make apple raisin cake from scratch

To make this easy apple raisin cake, start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. Set them aside to use later in the recipe. Next, separate the egg yolks from the whites, placing them into two mixing bowls. Soften the butter in the microwave and let it cool slightly. Then, mix the butter with the egg yolks and sugar, stirring until everything is well combined.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder, and gradually add this dry mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently until smooth. Soak the raisins in rum for about 10 minutes, then drain them and lightly coat them with flour to prevent sinking in the batter.

Whip the egg whites with a hand mixer until they form stiff peaks, then carefully fold them into the batter, keeping as much air as possible to create a light and airy texture. Grate some of the apples finely and mix them into the batter, followed by the rum-soaked raisins.

Transfer the batter to a parchment-lined pan, making it easier to remove once baked. Slice the remaining apples and arrange them on top of the batter. Sprinkle the cake with raw cane sugar to create a golden, crunchy crust. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cake for about 40 minutes. If the top starts to brown too quickly, reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C).

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Turn off the oven and let the cake cool inside for 5-7 minutes. Crack the oven door and let it sit for another 10 minutes. Finally, allow the cake to cool completely. If you bake it a day ahead, the flavor will become even more intense, making it the perfect dessert for fall, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.

Cinnamon Apple Raisin Cake

For a cozy, spiced twist, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients—flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. The cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and pairs perfectly with the rum-soaked raisins. This cake will give you a warm, comforting aroma and flavor, making it the ideal choice for autumn gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.

Apple Cake with Raisins and Walnuts

To make this recipe more hearty and nutty, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts to the batter along with the raisins. The walnuts provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft apples and chewy raisins. The added texture elevates this apple raisin cake, making it a perfect option for those who enjoy a bit of crunch in their cakes.

Homemade Apple Raisin Bundt Cake

For a show-stopping presentation, make this apple raisin cake in a Bundt pan. Simply follow the same steps as the original recipe, but transfer the batter into a well-greased Bundt pan before baking. The result is a beautifully shaped cake with a deliciously caramelized exterior and a moist, flavorful interior that will impress your guests at any occasion.

Spiced Apple Raisin Cake for Fall

For an extra burst of fall flavors, add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients along with the cinnamon. This will give the cake an aromatic spiced flavor that’s perfect for the crisp fall weather. The combination of warm spices, apples, and rum-soaked raisins creates a decadent fall dessert that will become a seasonal favorite.

Can you freeze apple raisin cake?

To store a French Apple Raisin Cake, first, let it cool completely to preserve its texture and flavor. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. If you plan to consume it soon, store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to five days.

If you want to keep it for an extended period, freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature, or gently warm it up for the best experience.

5 from 2 votes

French Apple Raisin Cake

Not only is this cake absolutely delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to make.

Prep Time20

Cook Time40

Course: Dessert

Servings: people

Ingredients

3 apples
3 eggs
¾ cup sugar
1 tbsp all-purpose flour plus 1 tbsp for raisin
½ cup butter
½ cup potato starch
2 tbsp baking powder
½ cup raisin
3 oz rum

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Peel, core, and slice the apples.
Take two mixing bowls and divide the egg yolks from the whites.
Soften the butter slightly in the microwave and let it cool down; then add it to the egg yolks and the sugar.
Stir all the ingredients until well combined.
Sift together the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Add it to the egg mixture, a little at a time.
Soak the raisins in rum and let them sit for 10 minutes then drain the raisins and lightly coat them with flour.
Whip the whites to a stiff peak with a hand mixer at high speed.
Fold the whites into the batter with downwards motions to maintain as much volume as possible.
Finely grate some of the apples into the batter and add the raisins.
Transfer the batter to a parchment-lined pan; the cake won’t stick to the pan so you can remove it easily.
Slice the remaining apples and arrange them on the top of the batter.
Sprinkle it with raw cane sugar for a crunchy delicious crust.
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 40 minutes in a static oven.
If the top gets too brown, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
Do the toothpick test. Insert it into the cake, and if it comes out clean, it is ready.
Turn off the oven, and leave the cake in for about 5-7 minutes to cool down gradually; then open the oven door and let it stand for about 10 minutes more.
Let it cool and remember that if you baked it the day before, the taste will become more intense.

Nutrition

apple cake, dessert recipe, french apple raisin cake

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Why is my apple cake dry?

A dry apple cake is often caused by incorrect oven temperature, overbaking, or improper ingredient preparation. To keep your Apple Raisin Cake moist:
Check the temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy and follow the recipe’s instructions. Baking at the wrong temperature can dry out the cake.
Whip egg whites properly: Whipping them to stiff peaks at room temperature adds air to the batter, keeping the cake soft and fluffy.
Avoid overbaking: Use the toothpick test and remove the cake as soon as it’s done.
By following these tips, you’ll get a perfectly moist and flavorful apple raisin cake every time!

How to keep raisins from sinking in apple cake?

To prevent raisins from sinking in your French Apple Raisin Cake, there’s a simple yet effective trick: coat the raisins in flour before adding them to the batter. After soaking the raisins in rum for 10 minutes, drain them thoroughly and toss them in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This light coating helps the raisins stay suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom during baking.
This method works well because the flour creates a slight barrier that improves the raisins’ ability to hold their position in the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake. Additionally, make sure the batter is not too thin, as a thicker batter naturally supports the raisins better. Following this step will give your cake a perfect balance of fruitiness in every bite!

How to make apple raisin cake moist?

To make an apple raisin cake moist, focus on balancing the ingredients and following proper techniques. Incorporating fresh, juicy apples into the batter adds natural moisture, while soaking the raisins in rum prevents them from drying out the cake. Properly whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and folding them gently into the batter ensures a light and airy texture, which helps retain moisture during baking. Additionally, baking the cake at the correct temperature is crucial; too high or too low can cause the cake to dry out. Once baked, letting the cake rest and cool gradually allows the flavors to deepen and keeps it soft and moist, especially if enjoyed the next day.

How to make a NO-sugar version of this apple raisin cake?

If you’re looking for a no-sugar version of the classic apple raisin cake, you can easily substitute the sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or unsweetened applesauce. These alternatives will provide sweetness without the added sugar, while still maintaining a moist, flavorful cake

How to make a Gluten-free version of this apple raisin cake?

To make a gluten-free version of the apple raisin cake, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but be sure to adjust the quantities, as they behave differently from regular flour. Additionally, ensure that the baking powder you use is certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe can stay the same, and your cake will turn out delicious and gluten-free!

How to make a VEGAN version of apple raisin cake?

To make a vegan version of the apple raisin cake, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or chia eggs. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter, and substitute the rum with apple juice or another liquid of choice for soaking the raisins. The rest of the ingredients can stay the same, making this cake both vegan and delicious!

How to Make a Low-Calorie Apple Raisin Cake?

To make a low-calorie version of the apple raisin cake, reduce or eliminate the butter by using a lower-calorie alternative like applesauce or Greek yogurt. Replace the sugar with a calorie-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Use whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of regular flour for added nutrition and fewer calories. Also, consider reducing the amount of raisins or soaking them in water to cut down on sugar and calorie content

Moist and Easy FRENCH Apple Raisin Cake Recipe

Easy Apple Raisin Cake Recipe: Perfect for Fall, Thanksgiving, and Holiday Baking

Which apples are best for a French Apple Raisin Cake?