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Rustic Italian Apple Cake (Torta di Mele)

Close-up of a moist slice of Italian apple cake, studded with apple pieces and dusted with powdered sugar.
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Bake a moist, lightly sweet Italian apple cake packed with tender apple slices. This rustic dessert uses basic ingredients and pairs well with coffee.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round springform pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  4. Whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  7. Arrange two-thirds of the apple slices over the batter in a single layer.
  8. Pour the remaining batter over the apples. Arrange the remaining apple slices decoratively on top.
  9. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing the sides. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Use firm apples that hold their shape during baking for the best texture.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract along with the vanilla.
  • This cake tastes best when served at room temperature.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/italian-apple-cake-torta-di-mele-recipe/