Italian Apple Cake

Name: Italian Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 apples (2 lb – 1 kg); 1/2 lemon (juiced); 1/2 cup butter (softened); 1/2 cup caster sugar; 2 fresh eggs; 1 1/2 cups flour; 4 tsp baking powder

Published: July 31, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation and can be completed in under 70 minutes.
Rich Apple Flavor: With 2 pounds of apples, every slice bursts with delicious apple goodness without needing additional spices.
Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature with a cup of tea.
Perfect for Sharing: This cake serves up to 8 slices, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, you likely have everything needed on hand.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups
Baking pan (9-inch round)
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and preventing spills.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing butter and sugar.
Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and proper shape for your Italian apple cake.

Ingredients

This Italian apple cake is simply made with plenty of apples to fully enjoy their taste: 1 kilo (2 pounds) of apples and no other spices added. It is the juice from these apples that make this cake creamy and fluffy.

For the Cake Batter

5 apples (2 lb – 1 kg)
1/2 lemon juice (half of a whole lemon juiced)
1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 fresh eggs
1 1/2 cup flour (8.8 oz)
4 tsp baking powder

For the Topping

1/4 cup butter (50 gr)
1/4 cup caster sugar (50 gr)

How to Make Italian Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Cut the apples into large chunks.
Mix them with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk the butter at room temperature with the sugar until creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well combined after each addition.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour with baking powder.
Gradually add this dry mixture to your cake batter until it becomes soft and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour half of the batter into a greased baking pan.
Layer half of the apple mixture over the batter.
Repeat with the remaining batter and apples on top.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Enjoy your Italian apple cake as a delicious treat any time!

How to Serve Italian Apple Cake

Italian apple cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a casual evening treat, these serving suggestions will enhance the experience.

Warm with Whipped Cream

Serve warm slices topped with freshly whipped cream for a rich and creamy contrast.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold dessert to melt slightly into the warm cake.

Drizzled with Honey

Add a drizzle of honey over the top for extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.

Garnished with Fresh Mint

Decorate each plate with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and freshness.

With Coffee or Tea

Enjoy slices alongside your favorite coffee or tea to complement the flavors of the cake.

How to Perfect Italian Apple Cake

To ensure your Italian apple cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Apples: Choose firm, sweet apples like Fuji or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix your batter just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for full cooling.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Apple Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Italian apple cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy addition that complements the cake.
Caramel Sauce: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the apple flavors beautifully.
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese as a savory contrast.
Chai Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts spiced with chai flavors provide an unexpected crunch that pairs well.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies add an extra sweet touch if you want more variety on your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes is crucial for baking the perfect Italian Apple Cake. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

Using the wrong apple variety: Not all apples work well in baking. Choose apples that retain their shape, like Granny Smith or Fuji, for the best flavor and texture.
Overmixing the batter: This can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined and stop as soon as you don’t see any dry flour.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so use proper measuring tools. For flour, consider weighing it instead of using cups to get an accurate amount.
Skipping the lemon juice step: This prevents apples from browning and enhances flavor. Always toss your apple chunks in lemon juice before adding them to the batter.
Ignoring oven temperature: Different ovens have variations in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your cake bakes evenly and at the right temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the cake to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Italian Apple Cake

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Reheating Italian Apple Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Italian Apple Cake:

Can I use other fruits in this Italian Apple Cake?

Yes! You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.

How can I make this Italian Apple Cake healthier?

Consider replacing half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

What is the best way to serve Italian Apple Cake?

This cake is delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Can I make Italian Apple Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well in the refrigerator and flavors often improve after a day.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Apple Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various fruits or spices if desired. Its simplicity makes it perfect for any occasion—give it a try today!

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