L’Ardéchois

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making L’Ardéchois because it’s a delightful, rustic French cake that captures the essence of southern France in every bite. Originating from the Ardèche region, this cake is made with chestnut flour, giving it a wonderfully rich, slightly nutty flavor and a soft, dense texture. The cake is simple to make, yet it’s packed with layers of flavor that feel both comforting and indulgent. The hint of rum and the natural sweetness of chestnuts make it perfect for any occasion, whether as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or a dessert to accompany a meal. It’s a true taste of the French countryside.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) chestnut flour

• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk

• 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)

• 1/2 cup (100g) chestnut purée (or chestnut spread)

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chestnut flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.

4. Add the Eggs and Milk: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk and rum (if using), mixing until fully incorporated.

5. Add the Chestnut Purée: Gently fold in the chestnut purée (or spread) into the batter, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Bake the Cake:

7. Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

9. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake is completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired.

11. Serve: Slice and serve the cake as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings. The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the baking time is around 30-35 minutes, so you’ll have this rich, flavorful cake ready in under an hour.

Variations

If I want to enhance the flavor, I sometimes add a little vanilla extract or citrus zest (like orange or lemon) to the batter for an extra kick. For a different texture, I might stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds. Some versions of L’Ardéchois include a light glaze made from chestnut syrup for added sweetness, but this is optional.

Storage/Reheating

L’Ardéchois stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you have leftovers, you can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use all chestnut flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with more chestnut flour to make the cake gluten-free. However, chestnut flour is dense, so the texture might be slightly heavier. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I make this cake without rum?

Yes, the rum is optional, and the cake will still taste delicious without it. If you prefer, you can substitute the rum with a little extra milk or even water for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! L’Ardéchois actually tastes better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together. You can make it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container.

Can I add other ingredients, like chocolate or fruit?

Absolutely! You can fold in small pieces of dark chocolate, fresh berries, or dried fruits like raisins or figs for added flavor and texture.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, L’Ardéchois freezes well. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Conclusion

L’Ardéchois is a unique and delightful French cake that showcases the rich flavor of chestnuts in a light, fluffy cake. The chestnut flour gives the cake a subtle nutty flavor, while the chestnut purée adds moisture and depth. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this rustic cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a treat to pair with coffee, or you’re in need of a special dessert for a gathering, L’Ardéchois is sure to impress with its unique flavor and simple elegance.

---

Print