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Rustic Italian Apple Cake (Torta di Mele)

A slice of rustic Italian apple cake (torta di mele) dusted with powdered sugar, showing tender apple pieces within.
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A moist and rustic Italian apple cake with a simple batter, perfect for a coffee break. This easy dessert features a high apple-to-batter ratio and is delicious served with powdered sugar or a squeeze of lemon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples (about 2.5 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar and the lemon juice. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  7. Pour in the milk and mix until smooth.
  8. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  9. Gently fold in about two-thirds of the sliced apples into the batter.
  10. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
  11. Arrange the remaining apple slices decoratively on top of the batter.
  12. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
  13. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  14. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • For a more rustic texture, you can leave some apple peels on.
  • If you don’t have milk, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk.
  • This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
  • For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/italian-apple-cake-torta-di-mele/