Apple Vanilla Cinnamon Cake

A soft apple cake, flavored with Bourbon vanilla and cinnamon, easy to make for an afternoon snack or dessert.

A tender batter, melting apples and a lovely note of vanilla for a simple cake to share.

Ingredients

Cake base

  • 110 g soft butter
  • 110 g light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 180 g flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 6 cl milk
  • 1 Bourbon vanilla bean

Apples and crumble

  • 3 baking apples
  • 1 tsp Madagascar cinnamon
  • 60 g flour
  • 45 g cold butter
  • 2 tbsp Bourbon vanilla sugar

Preparation

  1. Make the vanilla batter (8 min)
    Work the butter and sugar together, add the eggs, then the flour, baking powder, milk and vanilla seeds until you get a smooth batter.
  2. Prepare the apples (5 min)
    Peel, slice and lightly coat the apples with cinnamon for a cleaner result once baked.
  3. Form the crumble top (4 min)
    Rub together the flour, cold butter and vanilla sugar to get a short, crisp topping.
  4. Bake until the center is melting (45 min)
    Pour in the batter, arrange the apples then the crumble, and bake until the center is set and the surface golden.
  5. Let it settle before slicing (15 min)
    Let it rest so the apple juices settle and the slices stay clean.

What to expect

A soft base, melting apples and a well present vanilla, supported by a touch of cinnamon.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not overload with apples and do not rub the topping too finely, or the structure will collapse.

Serving

Serve warm with raw cream or on its own to keep a clean read of the fruit and the vanilla.

Tips

  • Apples: Choose an apple that holds up well to baking to keep true layers.
  • Topping: The crumble should stay uneven to better catch the coloring.

Recommended Vanille Désiré products

The bean structures the apple, the cinnamon signs the bake and the vanilla sugar helps finish the crumble without overloading it.

FAQ

Can it be made the day before?
Yes, it holds up well, especially if you warm it slightly before serving.
Can the bean be replaced with vanilla sugar only?
Yes, but the bean remains what gives the cleanest depth to the apple.

Sources