Italian Apple Cake

Name: Italian Apple Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 apples (2 lbs / 1 kg); 1/2 lemon juice; 1/2 cup butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup caster sugar; 2 fresh eggs; 1 1/2 cups flour; 4 tsp baking powder; Additional butter and sugar for topping

Published: July 28, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare – With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Rich Apple Flavor – Using 1 kilo of fresh apples ensures that every bite is packed with the delicious taste of fruit.
Versatile Dessert – Whether served warm with ice cream or at room temperature, this cake suits any dessert table.
Moist and Fluffy – The natural juices from the apples create a creamy texture that everyone will love.
Perfect for Sharing – This recipe yields 8 generous slices, making it ideal for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Italian Apple Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These ensure you can prepare the cake efficiently and effectively.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups
Baking pan
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly, helping achieve a smooth batter.
Whisk – A vital tool for beating butter and sugar together until creamy.
Baking pan – Ensures even cooking and proper cake shape; choose one that fits your oven well.

Ingredients

This Italian apple cake is simply made with plenty of apples to fully enjoy their taste: 1 kilo (2 pounds) of apples and no other spices added. It is the juice from these apples that make this cake creamy and fluffy.

For the Cake

5 apples (2 lb – 1 kg)
1/2 lemon juice (half of a whole lemon juiced)
1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 fresh eggs
1 1/2 cup flour (8.8 oz if your batter is too dry, try measuring the flour in oz instead of cups)
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup butter (50 gr)
1/4 cup caster sugar (50 gr)

How to Make Italian Apple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Cut the apples into large chunks. Mix them with lemon juice so they don’t turn brown during preparation.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk the butter at room temperature with caster sugar. Blend them until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the fresh eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition to ensure everything combines smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour with baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to your wet batter until it’s well incorporated.

Step 5: Check Consistency

The batter should be soft and creamy. If it’s too thick, consider adding a bit more liquid to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until golden brown.

Now you’re ready to serve up this delicious Italian Apple Cake, perfect for any gathering! Enjoy!

How to Serve Italian Apple Cake

Serving Italian apple cake is a delightful experience, as its warm, sweet flavors pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert.

A La Mode

Ice Cream: Serve a slice of warm Italian apple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
Whipped Cream: Top your cake with fresh whipped cream to add lightness and sweetness.

With Coffee or Tea

Espresso: Pair your cake with a shot of rich espresso for a delicious after-dinner treat.
Herbal Tea: Enjoy the cake alongside a calming herbal tea for a soothing combination.

Fruit Compote

Apple Compote: Enhance the apple flavor by serving it with homemade apple compote on top.
Berry Sauce: Drizzle a mixed berry sauce over the cake for added tartness and color.

Nuts and Spices

Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or almonds on top for an extra crunch.
Cinnamon Sugar: Dust the finished cake with cinnamon sugar for added warmth and aroma.

How to Perfect Italian Apple Cake

Perfecting your Italian apple cake can elevate it from good to great. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp, fresh apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Check Doneness Early: Start checking the cake about 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Apple Cake

Italian apple cake pairs beautifully with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Consider these options when planning your meal.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent twist.
Greek Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast that lightens up the dessert.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide brightness and freshness alongside the richness of the cake.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a savory balance to sweet flavors.
Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, a rich ganache can make an extravagant addition when served on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Italian apple cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Using too few apples: This cake relies heavily on the flavor of apples. Ensure you use the full amount for a rich taste.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
Overmixing the batter: To keep your cake light and fluffy, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Ignoring the resting time: Allowing the batter to rest helps it become creamier. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
Skipping lemon juice: Lemon juice not only adds flavor but also prevents the apples from browning. Always include it in your preparation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
The cake stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Apple Cake

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Italian Apple Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds per slice, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute other fruits in this Italian apple cake?

You can experiment with pears or peaches; however, adjust sugar levels as needed based on sweetness.

How long does it take to make Italian apple cake?

The total time is about 70 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 60 minutes of baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free Italian apple cake.

What types of apples work best for this cake?

Firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji apples hold up well and provide a nice tartness against the sweetness.

How can I customize my Italian apple cake?

Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even raisins for added texture and flavor!

Final Thoughts

This Italian apple cake is a delightful dessert that highlights the natural flavor of fresh apples. Its creamy texture and fluffy crumb make it irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile—customize it with your favorite nuts or spices. Give this easy recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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