Alsatian Apple Sheet Cake: A Slice of French Countryside in Every Bite

Alsatian apple sheet cake, or *Tarte aux Pommes Alsacienne*, is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the rustic charm and comforting flavors of the Alsace region in France. This cake is characterized by its simple yet elegant design: a buttery, tender crust topped with thinly sliced apples and a light dusting of sugar. It’s a recipe that’s approachable for bakers of all skill levels, and the results are consistently delicious.

This article will guide you through a detailed recipe for creating your own Alsatian apple sheet cake, ensuring a perfect bake every time. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to step-by-step instructions, along with tips and variations to customize the cake to your liking.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple Elegance:** The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet the final product is visually appealing and incredibly flavorful.
* **Perfect Texture:** The combination of a buttery, slightly crisp crust and tender, juicy apples creates a delightful textural contrast.
* **Versatile:** This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon treat or a more formal dessert.
* **Easy to Adapt:** You can easily customize this recipe with different spices, nuts, or even a layer of pastry cream.
* **Freezable:** Baked cake slices freezes well, so you can enjoy a taste of Alsace anytime.

## Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need, along with notes on why they’re important:

### For the Dough:

* **250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour:** Provides the structure for the crust. Use a good quality all-purpose flour for the best results. Weighing the flour is recommended for accuracy.
* **125g (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) Unsalted Butter, Cold and Cubed:** The cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky crust. Make sure it’s very cold before you start. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dough.
* **50g (1/4 cup) Granulated Sugar:** Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust and helps with browning.
* **1 Large Egg:** Binds the dough together and adds richness. Use a large egg for consistency.
* **2-3 Tablespoons Ice Water:** The ice water helps to bring the dough together without overworking the gluten. Add it gradually until the dough just comes together.
* **Pinch of Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

### For the Apple Filling:

* **750g (About 4-5 Medium) Apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn:** The choice of apples is important. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Honeycrisp and Braeburn apples offer a sweeter and more aromatic flavor. A combination of different apple varieties works well too. Look for firm, crisp apples.
* **2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness to the apples and helps them caramelize during baking.
* **1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice:** Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
* **1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional):** Adds a warm, spicy flavor. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted (Optional):** Brushing the apples with melted butter before baking adds richness and shine.

### For the Topping (Optional):

* **2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar:** Sprinkling sugar over the apples before baking helps them caramelize and adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Sanding Sugar (Optional):** Adds a decorative touch and extra sparkle.

## Equipment

* **9×13 inch Baking Pan:** A standard 9×13 inch baking pan is perfect for this recipe. You can also use a similar-sized rectangular pan.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the dough and apple filling.
* **Pastry Blender or Food Processor (Optional):** To cut the butter into the flour.
* **Rolling Pin:** For rolling out the dough.
* **Paring Knife:** For peeling and slicing the apples.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Parchment Paper (Optional):** For lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious Alsatian apple sheet cake:

### Part 1: Making the Dough

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.

2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process.

3. **Add the Egg:** Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg. Mix until just combined.

4. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix the dough. It should be slightly shaggy.

5. **Shape and Chill:** Gently flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out. You can chill it for longer, even overnight.

### Part 2: Preparing the Apple Filling

1. **Peel and Slice the Apples:** Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. Even slices will ensure even baking.

2. **Toss with Lemon Juice and Sugar:** In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). This will prevent the apples from browning and add flavor.

### Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Cake

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.

2. **Prepare the Baking Pan:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

3. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle that is slightly larger than the baking pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan.

4. **Trim and Crimp the Edges:** Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pan. Crimp the edges of the dough to create a decorative border.

5. **Arrange the Apple Slices:** Arrange the apple slices in overlapping rows over the dough. Start from one side of the pan and work your way across. You can create a simple pattern or arrange them randomly.

6. **Brush with Melted Butter (Optional):** Brush the apples with melted butter for added richness and shine.

7. **Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional):** Sprinkle the apples with granulated sugar for extra sweetness and caramelization. You can also add a sprinkle of sanding sugar for a decorative touch.

8. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.

9. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky crust. Make sure the butter is very cold before you start and work quickly to prevent it from melting.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. Mix the dough until it just comes together.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and makes it easier to roll out. It also helps to prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
* **Use a Variety of Apples:** Using a combination of different apple varieties will add complexity and depth of flavor to the cake.
* **Slice the Apples Thinly:** Thinly sliced apples will cook more evenly and create a more tender filling.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Check the cake after 30 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.
* **Let it Cool:** Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to slice.

## Variations

Here are some ideas for customizing your Alsatian apple sheet cake:

* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans over the apples before baking for added texture and flavor.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom.
* **Add Pastry Cream:** Spread a layer of pastry cream over the dough before adding the apple slices. This will add richness and creaminess to the cake. To make pastry cream, whisk together 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 4 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before spreading over the dough.
* **Add Raisins:** Soak raisins in rum or apple cider and sprinkle them over the apples before baking.
* **Use Different Fruits:** Try using other fruits, such as pears, plums, or berries, instead of apples.
* **Glaze the Cake:** Brush the baked cake with a simple glaze made from melted apricot jam or apple jelly.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add a little extra liquid to the dough.

## Serving Suggestions

Alsatian apple sheet cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Plain:** Enjoy a slice of cake on its own for a simple and satisfying treat.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.
* **With Crème Fraîche:** Top with a dollop of crème fraîche for a tangy and creamy accompaniment.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

## Recipe Card

**Alsatian Apple Sheet Cake**

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35-45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **Dough:**
* 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour
* 125g (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) Unsalted Butter, Cold and Cubed
* 50g (1/4 cup) Granulated Sugar
* 1 Large Egg
* 2-3 Tablespoons Ice Water
* Pinch of Salt
* **Filling:**
* 750g (About 4-5 Medium) Apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn
* 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
* 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
* 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional)
* 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted (Optional)
* **Topping (Optional):**
* 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
* Sanding Sugar (Optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Gradually add the ice water until the dough just comes together. Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
3. **Assemble and Bake:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. Roll out the dough and transfer it to the pan. Trim and crimp the edges. Arrange the apple slices over the dough. Brush with melted butter (optional) and sprinkle with sugar (optional). Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let cool before slicing and serving.

## Conclusion

Alsatian apple sheet cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The combination of a buttery, tender crust and juicy, flavorful apples creates a truly unforgettable treat. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of French countryside in every bite! Bon appétit!