This is a comforting cake that is incredibly easy to make; the batter can be made in advance and allowed to rest. I slip it in the oven as everyone sits down for the main course, and I serve it warm. It’s a light, fluffy French-style apple cake with a twist. I don't think there's anything that could fill friends with joy as much as a warm apple dessert in the middle of winter. It's what everybody fancies.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 large apples (like Braeburn)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • 4 tbsp Calvados
  • 8 tbsp butter, browned and at room temperature
Cookware Used
Small Fry
8.5-Inch Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
$90
Shop Now
The Whole Grain Family
3-Piece Wooden Utensil Set
$75
Shop Now
Shop Now

I think the thing to remember is that you can bake in anything. Small Fry is actually a great pan to bake in because it's got excellent heat conduction and a nonstick surface. And because the handle looks elegant, it's proper to put it out on a table and serve directly from it. It has a very similar effect to cast iron when you fill it with fruit and a crumble topping, along with ice cream on top, and drop it on the table.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Slice the apples (I leave the skins on) and toss with a splash of Calvados and a pinch of sugar; set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale in color and doubled in volume, then stir in the Calvados and brown butter.
  5. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture.
  6. Butter the Small Fry and pour in the batter. Lay the apple slices on top.
  7. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Sprinkle with sugar and serve with ice cream or custard.

Photos by Noah Fecks

Photos by Noah Fecks.