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A finished cake on a serving platter as powdered sugar is being dusted over its golden surface. A small sieve and powdered sugar bowl sit on the white marble cooktop.

Russian Apple Cake Recipe

This light and airy European apple cake boasts tender slices of tart Granny Smith apples, a fluffy sponge-like batter, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar—perfect for dessert or tea time!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Russian
Servings 8
Calories 267 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Stand mixer with whisk attachment
  • medium mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife or peeler
  • Thin spatula or knife

Ingredients
  

  • 6 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour *measured correctly
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 lbs 3 med/large granny smith apples
  • 1 tsp Confectioners powdered sugar , to dust, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350˚F and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  • Beat eggs in a stand mixer for 1 minute, then gradually add sugar, beating for 8–10 minutes until fluffy.
    A stand mixer on the white marble cooktop with eggs and sugar being whipped together in its mixing bowl, forming a fluffy, pale-yellow mixture
  • Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
    Three Granny Smith apples being peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces. A small pile of peels sits nearby, and a cutting board rests on the white marble cooktop
  • Whisk flour and baking powder together, then sift into the egg mixture in batches, folding gently each time.
    The fluffy egg mixture in a mixing bowl as flour is being sifted into it in small batches. A spatula is gently folding the mixture, with vanilla extract ready to be added.
  • Fold in vanilla extract and most of the sliced apples, reserving some for the top.
    Sliced apples being folded into the batter with a spatula. A few apple slices are set aside on a plate, ready to be used as a topping.
  • Pour batter into the pan, spread evenly, and arrange reserved apple slices on top.
    The batter being poured into the prepared springform pan. A spatula spreads the batter evenly, and the reserved apple slices are being arranged on top in a decorative pattern
  • Bake for 50–55 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes, loosen edges, and transfer to a platter.
    The cake baking in the oven with its top turning golden brown. The springform pan is visible through the oven window, with the white marble cooktop beneath."
  • Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
    A finished cake on a serving platter as powdered sugar is being dusted over its golden surface. A small sieve and powdered sugar bowl sit on the white marble cooktop.