Italian apple cake

Here’s a traditional Italian apple cake recipe, often called Torta di Mele. It’s a rustic, simple, and moist cake that highlights the natural sweetness of apples, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 medium apples (Golden Delicious or any variety)
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. You can cut them into wedges or thin slices depending on preference. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and oil (or melted butter), and mix until combined.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the lemon zest if using.
5. Form the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is incorporated and you have a smooth batter.
6. Assemble the cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange half of the apple slices on top of the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and smooth it out. Arrange the remaining apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the cake.
7. Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
8. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your Torta di Mele with a cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine!