Classic French Apple Cake

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp dark rum (optional but traditional)
• 3–4 medium apples (firm ones like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and diced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until light and creamy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and rum, then slowly whisk in the melted butter until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined.
5. Fold in the apples until evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let it cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.