Italian Apple Cake Recipe
Overview:
This Italian Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a sweet ending to a meal. Adapted from a traditional Italian recipe, this cake is known for its moist texture and rich flavors. It’s surprisingly easy to make with everyday ingredients, making it a favorite among those who try it.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: One 23cm (9 inch) round cake
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Italian Apple Cake:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooking apples | 2 |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Desiccated coconut | 1 cup |
| Plain flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Butter, melted | 3/4 cup |
| Amaretto liqueur | 150 ml |
| Icing sugar (for dusting) | As needed |
Instructions:
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Italian Apple Cake:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and lightly flour a 23cm (9 inch) round cake tin.
-
Prepare Ingredients:
- Core the apples but do not peel them. Cut them into chunks approximately 1/2 inch square.
- Place the apple chunks in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning, then drain off any excess juice.
- Add raisins and desiccated coconut to the bowl with the apples.
- On a cutting board, sprinkle walnuts with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Roughly chop the nuts with the sugar and add them to the apple mixture. Mix well.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together plain flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
-
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a small mixing bowl, beat eggs and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and lemon-colored.
- Gradually add melted butter and amaretto liqueur (or essence) to the egg mixture while continuing to beat.
-
Combine and Bake:
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Add the prepared apple mixture to the batter and mix well. Don’t worry if it seems like there’s more apple than batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and spread it evenly.
-
Bake the Cake:
- Place the cake tin on the center shelf of your preheated oven.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Before serving, dust the top of the cake with icing sugar.
- Serve slices of the Italian Apple Cake with thick cream for a decadent treat.
Notes:
- Amaretto Liqueur: If you don’t have amaretto liqueur on hand, you can substitute with almond extract for a similar flavor.
- Storage: This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for longer freshness.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy baking this Italian Apple Cake and sharing it with your friends and family! It’s sure to become a favorite with its delicious blend of apples, nuts, and spices in every bite. Perfect for any dessert table or afternoon tea spread, this recipe captures the essence of Italian baking traditions with a modern twist.
