Easy Italian Apple Cake Recipe: Golden Goodness in Every Bite

Sweet Italian apple cake converts ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that celebrates rustic baking traditions.

Soft, moist textures and warm cinnamon notes characterize this delightful treat waiting in your kitchen.

Home bakers love how simple ingredients blend into something magical and comforting.

Mediterranean culinary wisdom shines through each tender slice of this delectable cake.

Fragrant apples and delicate spices create a harmonious balance that feels both familiar and surprising.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a dessert that connects you to generations of passionate Italian cooks.

Family gatherings become more special when this aromatic cake emerges from the oven.

Rustic and Rich Italian Apple Cake for Any Season

• Savor Rustic Italian Comfort: This delightful apple cake captures the essence of traditional Italian home baking with its simple yet elegant approach to dessert.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a perfect balance of soft, moist cake with tender apple chunks and a slightly crispy caramelized topping that creates a delicious contrast in every bite.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Delight: Designed for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it an ideal dessert for spontaneous baking moments or family gatherings.
• Versatile Seasonal Treat: Celebrates the natural sweetness of apples while being adaptable to different occasions – perfect for afternoon tea, family dessert, or a comforting weekend baking project that fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas.

Ingredient Lineup for Italian Apple Cake

• Apples: Firm, sweet-tart varieties like Golden Delicious or Granny Smith work best for maintaining texture and flavor in the cake.

• Butter, Eggs: Rich, creamy base that provides moisture and helps bind the cake together.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle bright note to the dessert.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior.
• Flour, Baking Powder: Essential for creating a light, tender cake structure with proper rising.

How to Bake a Moist Italian Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C).

Step 2: Prepare Apples

• Peel apples
• Cut apples into large chunks
• Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning

Step 3: Create Butter Mixture

• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
• Beat in eggs one at a time

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Tin

• Line a round baking tin with parchment paper
• Butter the sides
• Flour the sides

Step 7: Add Batter and Apples

• Pour batter into prepared tin
• Spread batter evenly
• Press apple chunks into the batter

Step 8: Create Topping

• Melt butter
• Melt sugar
• Drizzle mixture over apples

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Bake for 1 hour.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

• Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes
• Remove from pan
• Transfer to serving dish

Helpful Baking Tips for Italian Apple Cake

• Select Fresh Apples: Choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your cake.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple chunks in lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain their bright color and prevent oxidation.
• Master Batter Consistency: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy to ensure a tender, moist cake with excellent crumb structure.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect baking.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to rest for at least 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain ideal texture.

Keeping Your Italian Apple Cake Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store the apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and preserve its delicious texture.
• Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon. Place it on a cake stand with a protective dome to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small pat of butter on top for extra moisture and enhanced flavor before reheating.

Pairing Suggestions for Italian Apple Cake

• Pair with Chilled Prosecco: The light, bubbly Italian sparkling wine perfectly complements the sweet and tender apple cake, cutting through its richness with crisp acidity.
• Serve with Vanilla Gelato: A scoop of creamy, smooth vanilla gelato adds a luxurious, cool contrast to the warm, spiced apple cake, enhancing its rustic Italian charm.
• Enjoy with Cinnamon Espresso: A strong, aromatic espresso with a hint of cinnamon beautifully balances the cake's sweetness, creating a classic Italian dessert experience that awakens the senses.
• Accompany with Mascarpone Cream: A dollop of rich, velvety mascarpone cream drizzled over the cake adds a luxurious, silky texture that elevates the dessert's traditional flavors.

Flavor Twists on Classic Italian Apple Cake

• Rustic Cinnamon Apple Delight: Sprinkle ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the batter for a warm, spicy flavor. Top with chopped walnuts before baking to add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• Berry Fusion Cake: Replace half the apples with mixed berries like raspberries and blueberries. Swap white sugar for brown sugar to enhance the fruity richness and create a deeper caramelized taste.
• Almond Orange Infusion: Add almond extract to the batter and incorporate orange zest for a citrusy brightness. Garnish with sliced almonds on top for extra texture and a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar and include a touch of vanilla extract to maintain moisture and sweetness.

Italian Apple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Nonna’s Italian Apple Cake delivers rustic charm straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Fragrant cinnamon and tender apples mingle in a buttery crumb that whispers sweet memories of family gatherings you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 apples (2 lb – 1 kg)
• 2 fresh eggs
• 1 ½ cups flour (8.8 oz)

Sweeteners and Fats:

• 1 cup caster sugar (total)
• 0.75 cup butter (total)
• 4 teaspoons baking powder

Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.5 lemon, juiced

Topping:

• 0.25 cup butter (50 gr)
• 0.25 cup caster sugar (50 gr)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 355°F (180°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal baking.
2. Carefully peel and slice apples into generous, rustic chunks, immediately tossing with fresh lemon juice to preserve their pristine color and prevent oxidation.
3. Using an electric mixer or whisk, thoroughly cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and significantly increased in volume.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing completely after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour and baking powder to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain the batter’s delicate texture and prevent overmixing.
7. Prepare a round baking tin by lining the bottom with parchment paper, then carefully grease the sides with butter and dust with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking.
8. Pour the prepared batter into the prepared tin, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
9. Artfully arrange the apple chunks across the surface of the batter, pressing them gently to partially submerge in the cake mixture.
10. Create a decadent topping by melting butter and sugar together, then drizzle the golden mixture evenly over the apple-topped cake.
11. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the top turns a rich golden brown.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, which helps it set and makes removal easier.
13. Carefully transfer the cake to a serving platter, allowing it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Seasonal Delight: This rustic Italian apple cake celebrates the sweet, tender apples of autumn with a moist, golden crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Lemon Juice Trick: Tossing apple chunks with lemon juice prevents browning and adds a subtle bright note to the cake’s flavor profile.
• Butter Matters: Use room temperature butter for smooth creaming, which creates a lighter, more tender cake texture.
• Pan Preparation: Carefully line and grease the baking tin to ensure the cake releases perfectly without sticking.
• Baking Insight: Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg