This Easy Torta di Mele is a moist and fluffy Italian apple cake that will make your house smell amazing! It’s made with fresh apples, flour, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy treat.
Making this cake is super simple—just mix, pour, and bake! I love how the apples stay juicy, and I sometimes enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but feel free to use Golden Delicious or Cortland apples for a sweeter cake. You can mix different varieties for added flavor!
Sugar: You can use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor. Coconut sugar is another alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option!
Vegetable Oil: If you prefer a richer flavor, melted butter works well. For a healthier option, use applesauce as a substitute for half the oil.
Cinnamon: This ingredient is optional, but I think it adds a lovely warmth. If you’re not a fan, leave it out or substitute with nutmeg for a different twist.
Sliced Almonds: Use walnuts or pecans if you want a nutty crunch! If you need a nut-free option, simply skip them altogether.
How Do You Get a Moist Cake Without Overmixing?
Mixing too much can lead to a dry cake, so here’s how to keep it moist:
- When you combine wet and dry ingredients, stir gently with a spatula. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry flour.
- Be sure to fold in the apple slices carefully to keep the air in the batter, which helps the cake rise.
- Timing is key! Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake!
With these tips, your Torta di Mele will come out tender and delicious every time!
Easy Torta di Mele – Moist Italian Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Torta di Mele takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow extra time for cooling before serving. Overall, you can enjoy this tasty cake in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to remove the cake once it’s baked!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is creamy and light in color. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.
3. Combining the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Sifting helps incorporate air into the flour, making your cake lighter. Then, gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Be gentle! Stir just until everything is combined—do not overmix.
4. Adding the Apples:
Now it’s time to fold in half of the sliced apples into the batter. This will add a delicious apple flavor throughout the cake. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, and then arrange the remaining apple slices on top in a lovely circular pattern. This will make your cake look beautiful!
5. Baking the Cake:
If you’re using sliced almonds, sprinkle them on top of the apples now. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary!
6. Cooling and Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, feel free to dust the top with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
7. Serving the Cake:
Your Torta di Mele is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or accompanied by a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream!
Now you have a wonderfully moist Italian apple cake to share with friends and family or enjoy all by yourself! Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are great choices, you can use any type of apple you prefer. Mix different varieties for a more complex flavor!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Your cake will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Torta di Mele in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just warm it slightly before serving for the best taste!
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.