Classic Apple Cake Recipe: A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
This classic Italian apple cake, also known as Torta di Mele, is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of homemade warmth. The combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and a moist, buttery batter creates a dessert that is both comforting and irresistibly fragrant. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing a special treat for guests, or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon, this apple cake will certainly be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Renette apples (or your preferred baking apples) | 930g |
| Granulated sugar | 200g |
| All-purpose flour | 250g |
| Butter (unsalted) | 100g |
| Whole milk | 150g |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Lemon | 1 (zest and juice) |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Powdered sugar | As needed (for dusting) |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 25g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients for your apple cake. Begin with the apples: cut them in half and remove the core. Peel the apples and then slice them into thin wedges. Place them into a large bowl, and immediately drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the apples, making sure they are well-coated. This step helps prevent the apples from turning brown while you continue with the preparation.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in the microwave or over a double boiler until fully melted. Set it aside to cool slightly. The melted butter will contribute to the cake’s rich texture, making it soft and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. This ensures that the cake batter will rise evenly and prevents clumps from forming in the mixture. Set this aside for later use.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add about half of the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, begin beating the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which will give your cake a light, airy texture.
Once the mixture has lightened in color and become fluffy, add a pinch of salt, the ground cinnamon, and the lemon zest. Continue to mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the sifted flour and baking powder to the egg mixture. It’s best to add the flour one tablespoon at a time to avoid overwhelming the batter and to ensure a smooth consistency. Continue mixing until the flour is fully incorporated.
Next, with the mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the room-temperature milk, a little at a time, until it is fully combined into the batter. The batter should now be smooth and slightly thick. You can turn off the mixer at this point.
Step 6: Incorporate the Apples
Once the batter is ready, gently drain the apples in a colander to remove any excess lemon juice. Then, fold the apple slices into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the apples to stay intact within the batter.
Step 7: Prepare the Pan and Bake
Take a 22 cm (8.5 inch) round cake pan and grease it generously with butter. Sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar to coat the bottom and sides of the pan. This will help create a golden, caramelized crust on the bottom of the cake as it bakes.
Carefully pour the apple and batter mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the cake pan in the center of the oven. Bake the cake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can cover it with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once it has cooled to room temperature, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve. The cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Cake:
-
Choosing the Right Apples: While Renette apples are commonly used for this cake, you can also use Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Braeburn apples. Each variety will bring a different balance of sweetness and tartness to the cake.
-
Ensure the Right Texture: For the best texture, make sure your butter is fully melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the batter. This helps the cake bake evenly without being greasy.
-
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure that your eggs, milk, and melted butter are at room temperature before mixing. This allows the ingredients to combine more smoothly, leading to a better batter consistency.
-
Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit your taste. You could even add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for an added layer of warmth and depth in flavor.
-
Serving Suggestions: This cake is delicious as it is, but you can elevate it by adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. For a more festive touch, drizzle with a little bit of caramel sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake
This Torta di Mele is a true classic in the world of Italian desserts. It combines the simplicity of fresh, seasonal apples with the warmth of cinnamon and citrus zest. The result is a beautifully moist cake with a delicate balance of sweet and tart flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family gathering, a special occasion, or just a treat to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, this apple cake is sure to be a favorite. With its tender texture and irresistible aroma, it will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Try this apple cake recipe today, and let it bring comfort and sweetness to your home!
