French Apple Cake Loaf is a moist cake filled with fresh apples. This easy apple bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea or a snack.

It's almost mid September, so that means apple season is here!

My family and I have always liked to go apple picking especially when my children were younger. I love the fall and getting luscious apples fresh from an orchard. There is no comparison to what is sold in the stores. I like to bake with them and this French Apple Cake Loaf is a favorite.

Fresh apples in the fall are crisp, juicy and delicious. When my son was younger, I could barely get him to eat much fruit but he chowed down on fresh apples. No caramel or peanut butter was needed although I do recommend you try it on occassion.

fresh baked French Apple Cake Loaves for an apple bread recipe

Ingredients Needed for this Apple Bread Recipe

While we love fresh apples as a snack, they also proved the perfect addition for a moist apple bread recipe. I took a traditional French yogurt cake recipe but omitted the lemon and added some apples and substituted half of the white flour for whole wheat flour.

Whole Wheat Flour - Whole wheat flour is more nutrient rich than white flour.
White Flour - Look for unbleached all-purpose flour.
Baking Powder - Baking powder is a levening agent. If you ever have baked goods that don't rise well, check that your baking powder hasn't expired.
Salt - Salt intensifies the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Cinnamon - Cinnamon is a warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Sugar - I used regular white sugar. For a richer flavor and a darker cake you could use brown sugar.
Vanilla Yogurt - The yogurt adds a ton of moisture to the cake.
Eggs - I used fresh, whole eggs.
Vanilla - Like salt, vanilla can intensify flavors.
Canola Oil - Any light, neutral oil will do.
Apples - Use your favorite apple but look for one that's good for baking. You can see some of our recomendations below.

If a recipe has a few ingredients which are good for you, then it's perfect for breakfast. This apple cake loaf is defintly breakfast worthy.

Apple Cake Loaf FAQ

How do I buy the best apples?

Look for apples that feel firm. A good apple won't have soft or bruised spots.
Most apples will have some natural scuffs or markings, but any obvious rotting or bruising is a bad sign.
Ensure that the apple has a filled-in color, which indicates maturity and great exposure to sunlight.
Give your apple a sniff; good apples will have a pleasant aroma, some stronger than others.

What are the best apples for baking?

Certain types of apples will hold up better and give you that perfect balance of sweet and tart, and not every apple that's good for eating is as good when you bake it.
Granny Smith apples are some of the best for baking, as they keep their structure really well and provide a delicious balance of flavors.
Some other good apple options for baking are Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Winesap, and Pink Lady.

Can I store leftovers of this French Apple Cake?

If you have leftovers (not likely; this cake is delicious!) you can store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
It's best to put this airtight container somewhere cool and dry.
You can also store the container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you choose this option, set the cake out for about an hour before you eat it to allow it to return to room temperature.

Apple Bread Recipe Variations

Vary your flour depending on taste. You could use all white flour, or all whole wheat flour for an even healthier version of this French Apple Cake. Try varying the ratios to see which balance of white and whole wheat works best for you.
You could try making this recipe with other kinds of fruit, or even adding them in with the apples. Pears would be a good substitution/addition. Aim for fruits that won't get too mushy when baked.
Some people like to add a frosting or glaze on their apple cake. Using just some powdered sugar and cream, it's easy to whip up a quick icing that will help satisfy your sweet tooth!

More Apple Recipes

Go get some fresh apples this fall and do some baking. After you make this cake loaf, there are some other great apple recipes listed above. And if you only have access to a grocery store, they are pretty darn good from there in the fall too.

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