Name: Easy Italian Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 medium apples peeled and chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

This Easy Italian Apple Cake is everything you want in a homemade dessert. It’s soft, moist, and filled with fresh apple chunks in every bite. With its rustic charm and subtle sweetness, this cake brings the comforting feeling of a countryside kitchen straight into your home.

Traditionally called “Torta di Mele,” this cake is a staple in many Italian households, especially during the fall and winter months. It requires no special equipment or skills, making it an easy go-to dessert for both weeknight dinners and family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Italian Apple Cake

This cake is wonderfully simple yet feels special enough for any occasion. You’ll love how the apples stay tender and juicy, providing a fresh contrast to the lightly sweet, fluffy crumb. It’s not overly rich, so it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plus, it keeps well for days, so you can enjoy a slice with breakfast or as a snack.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

You want apples that hold their shape and offer a touch of tartness. Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice for their firm texture and bright flavor. Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile. Feel free to mix varieties for a more complex flavor.

Ingredients for the Easy Italian Apple Cake

To get that balanced sweetness and tender texture, you’ll need a mix of everyday pantry items and a few fresh ingredients. This cake shines because of its simplicity, so choose fresh, quality apples and a good vanilla extract.

All-purpose flour: This gives the cake its structure without making it too dense.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor.
Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the apples.
Eggs: Bring moisture and richness to the batter.
Milk: Keeps the texture soft and moist.
Vegetable oil: Makes the crumb tender and allows the cake to stay moist longer.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note.
Apples: The star of the show. Peeled and chopped into chunks for that rustic feel.
Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds brightness.
Powdered sugar: Optional for dusting on top before serving.

How To Make the Easy Italian Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Toss them with lemon juice and set aside. This not only keeps them from browning but adds a little zing.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the sugar and eggs until light and creamy, then add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.

Step 3: Add the Apples

Gently stir in most of the apple chunks, saving a handful to arrange on top before baking. This gives the cake a beautiful, apple-studded finish.

Step 4: Bake It

Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan. Arrange the remaining apples on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once it’s ready, dust with powdered sugar and slice to serve.

How to Serve and Store Your Easy Italian Apple Cake

This cake is lovely served at room temperature, either plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. It also pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or even mulled cider during the colder months. You can feed about 8 people with one 9-inch round cake, depending on slice size.

To store, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it and warm slices in the microwave when ready to enjoy. It also freezes well for up to a month.

What to Serve With Easy Italian Apple Cake?

Whipped Mascarpone Cream

Light and creamy, this Italian cheese topping adds a luxurious finish.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Classic and simple, it complements the warm apple flavors beautifully.

Fresh Berries

The tartness from raspberries or strawberries contrasts nicely with the cake’s sweet softness.

Espresso or Coffee

Keep it traditional Italian with a small shot of strong espresso.

Spiced Hot Cider

Perfect for chilly nights, this drink heightens the cozy vibe.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over the cake for an extra indulgent touch.

Roasted Nuts

Add crunch and a toasty finish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or almonds.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Rustic Twist?

If you love this Italian Apple Cake, you’ll enjoy these other cozy favorites:

Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a juicy, golden baked treat.
Best Kentucky Butter Cake when you’re craving rich, buttery decadence.
Lemon Rhubarb Loaf with Glaze for a tart and citrusy afternoon pick-me-up.
Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you love your sweets with a cinnamon swirl.
Ooey Gooey Bars when you want maximum decadence in every bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Granny Smith or go for a sweeter variety? Did you add cinnamon or raisins?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

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