Imagine a dessert that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy, where tradition meets pure culinary magic. This Rustic Italian Apple Cake isn't just a recipe—it's an experience that will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell like a Mediterranean dream. With its golden, tender crumb and perfectly caramelized apple layers, this cake is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver a showstopping dessert that looks like it came straight from a Italian grandmother's kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan with butter and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly into uniform pieces, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt to ensure no lumps remain.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a consistent batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange a layer of apple slices over the batter, slightly overlapping them in a circular pattern.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apple slices, carefully covering them and ensuring an even distribution.
- Arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter in a decorative pattern, gently pressing them into the surface.
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into wet ingredients to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
- Apple Arrangement Matters: Take your time arranging apple slices for a beautiful, rustic presentation that looks professionally made.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test—it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely to let the flavors meld and the texture set perfectly.
- Optional Elegance: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch and a touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 85mg
