This Easy Torta di Mele is a moist and tasty Italian apple cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its warm apple flavor and soft texture, it’s sure to win hearts!
Making this cake is a breeze! I usually enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, and it never lasts long in my house. Who could resist a slice of this? 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, use sweet-tart apples like Fuji or Gala. If those aren’t available, Granny Smith apples work well too! They add a nice tang to counter the sweetness.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for this recipe, but if you only have salted butter, you can reduce the added salt. Coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute.
Milk: Whole milk makes the cake rich and moist, but you can swap it with almond milk or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Cinnamon: Adding ground cinnamon enhances the taste, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave it out or try nutmeg for a different flavor.
How Do I Get My Cake to Bake Evenly?
Ensuring your cake bakes evenly requires a few simple steps. Start with the right oven temperature and check it with an oven thermometer, as some ovens can be off.
- Make sure you preheat the oven thoroughly before putting the cake in.
- Place the cake in the center of the oven to ensure even heat distribution.
- Rotate the cake halfway through baking for consistent browning.
If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking. These tips will give you a beautiful and evenly baked Torta di Mele!
Easy Torta di Mele – Moist Italian Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 medium apples (preferably sweet-tart, such as Fuji or Gala)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
For Finishing:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Time Needed to Make the Cake:
This cake will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Total time is roughly 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, including cooling and dusting with powdered sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will ensure your cake comes out smoothly after baking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and thinly slice two of the apples. Toss the slices with lemon juice to keep them from browning. Set aside the third apple to dice and mix into the batter or slice for decoration on top of the cake.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using). This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and flavor.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. Then, gently stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; some lumps are okay!
6. Add the Apples to the Batter:
Peel, core, and dice the remaining apple into small pieces, then gently fold them into the batter for delicious apple chunks throughout the cake.
7. Pour into Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly spread out.
8. Arrange the Apple Slices:
Now, take the reserved apple slices and arrange them in a circular pattern on top of the batter. Press them down slightly to ensure they stay in place while baking.
9. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check around the 45-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
10. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
11. Final Touches:
Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
12. Enjoy!
Slice up your moist, tender Italian apple cake and serve with coffee or tea. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack anytime!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Cake?
Absolutely! While sweet-tart varieties like Fuji or Gala work best, you can use any apples you have on hand. Just keep in mind that firmer apples, like Granny Smith, will add a nice tartness to balance the sweetness of the cake.
How to Store Leftover Torta di Mele?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some to help the cake hold its structure. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
What Can I Serve with Torta di Mele?
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat!
