Welcome to your new favorite dessert obsession! This “Gâteau Invisible,” or Invisible Apple Cake, is quite literally an apple lover’s absolute dream come true. Imagine biting into a treat that is somehow more fruit than it is cake or custard, layer upon layer of naturally sweet, tender fruit that is so soft it honestly just melts in your mouth. This recipe completely turns the traditional apple cake on its head by giving the fruit the center-stage spotlight it truly deserves, resulting in a stunningly layered masterpiece. It strikes that perfect, delicate balance between fresh, juicy fruit and a light, custard-like batter that binds everything together without ever feeling heavy. Plus, the best part for my mindful eaters is that this version is entirely gluten-free and low in calories, swapping out refined sugars for the natural, earthy sweetness of maple syrup.

It is the ultimate guilt-free treat to share during the holiday season or to enjoy as a sweet, healthy snack any day of the week!

Beyond that incredible texture, this cake is a massive nutritional win because it focuses on the mighty apple as the principal ingredient. Apples are true nutritional powerhouses that absolutely deserve a permanent spot in your regular diet. They are a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential for supporting healthy digestion and gut health. They also pack a significant punch of Vitamin C to bolster your immune system and are loaded with various antioxidants that work hard to protect your cells from oxidative stress. Because this recipe uses firm, fresh apples and avoids the heavy fats of traditional desserts, you can enjoy these health benefits in a way that feels indulgent yet functional. Incorporating apples into your diet through a wholesome dessert like this is a delicious way to support your overall well-being while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 75 ml (approx. 1/3 cup) milk

• 30 g (approx. 4 tbsp) cornstarch

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp (15 g) melted butter

• 4 large (approx. 850 g) apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn

• 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing your custard batter: add the eggs, maple syrup, milk, cornstarch, baking powder, and vanilla extract into a large mixing bowl.
2. Use an electric whisk to thoroughly mix these ingredients together until you reach a completely smooth and uniform consistency.
3. Pour in the melted butter and mix one more time to fully combine everything, then set the batter aside for a moment.
4. Now for the fruit: clean, peel, and core your large apples. Use a hand slicer to create very thin apple slices; remember, the thinner the slices, the more delicate and beautiful the final “invisible” texture will be.
5. Carefully add all of your thinly sliced apples directly into the custard batter.
6. Gently mix the apples with the batter, ensuring every single slice is thoroughly and evenly coated with the mixture.
7. Pour the apple mixture into your cake baking pan, making sure to pack and spread the mixture down evenly to avoid any air gaps between the layers.
8. Take a moment to neatly arrange the very top layer of apple slices to create that classic, elegant apple cake look.
9. Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake at 185°C (365°F) for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are perfectly tender and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown.
10. This is a crucial step for the best texture: allow the cake to cool completely in the fridge before serving. This helps the delicate layers set so it holds its shape when sliced.
11. Right before you are ready to serve your gorgeous gluten-free cake, give the top a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for that final festive touch.

Nutritional Information

• Energy: 130 calories

• Protein: 2.21 g

• Fat: 3.19 g

• Carbohydrates: 24.49 g

• Fiber: 1.4 g (Note: Nutritional values are per 1 serving)

Prep, Cook, and Servings

• Servings: 8 Servings

• Prep Time: 20 mins

• Baking Time: 50 – 60 mins

• Dietary Status: Gluten-Free

Notes and Recommendations

• Firmness Matters: For the best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; they hold their shape beautifully and won’t turn into mush during the long baking process.

• Storage: You can store this cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Serving Suggestion: This cake is best served chilled to keep those delicate layers together. For an extra treat, try pairing it with a light dollop of ice cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.