If you’re craving a dessert that embodies the warmth and simplicity of Italian baking, look no further than Torta di Mele—the traditional Italian Apple Cake. With its tender, moist texture, sweet apple chunks, and a subtle hint of cinnamon, this cake is a true celebration of fall flavors. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to more special gatherings. Plus, it’s the kind of cake that only gets better the day after it’s baked, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen.

Torta di Mele is beloved throughout Italy, with each region offering a slightly different variation. Some versions call for a delicate, buttery dough, while others, like this one, feature a simple batter that holds the apple slices beautifully and allows their natural sweetness to shine. This Italian cake is rustic yet sophisticated, combining the richness of apples with the lightness of a sponge-like batter, making it the perfect dessert for those who appreciate simple, wholesome flavors.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Deliciously Simple – The ingredients are basic, and the steps are easy, making this a simple yet flavorful dessert.
✔️ Perfect Texture – The moistness of the cake combined with the tender apple slices creates a satisfying bite.
✔️ Apple-Filled Goodness – Packed with chunks of apples, this cake brings out the sweetness and natural flavor of the fruit.
✔️ Slightly Spiced – A pinch of cinnamon and a touch of lemon zest bring out the best in the apples, creating a warm, comforting aroma.
✔️ Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing – Whether served at an afternoon tea, dinner party, or holiday gathering, this cake is always a hit.

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Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

For the Cake:

• 240g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 120ml (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 120ml (½ cup) whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into chunks (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Optional:

• Handful of raisins or chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds) for added texture and flavor.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy, which is perfect for holding the apple chunks.

Step 5: Add the Apples

1. Fold the chopped apples into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed. If you’re using raisins or nuts, you can fold them in at this point as well.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the apples will have softened beautifully into the batter.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Step 8: Serve

1. Slice and serve your Torta di Mele with a cup of coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings)

• Calories: ~240 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 11g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Sugar: 20g

(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used and portion size.)

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Torta di Mele

✔️ Choose the Right Apples – Use a firm variety like Granny Smith or Fuji, as they hold their shape well during baking and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
✔️ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix the batter just until everything is combined to avoid a dense cake.
✔️ Add Some Texture – For extra flavor and texture, consider adding raisins, chopped walnuts, or almonds to the batter.
✔️ Serve with Whipped Cream or Gelato – This cake is even more indulgent when served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato.
✔️ Let the Cake Rest – Allowing the cake to sit for a few hours (or even overnight) allows the flavors to develop further, making the cake even more delicious.

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Why This Italian Apple Cake is a Must-Try

🍏 Fresh and Fruity – The apples are the star of this cake, providing natural sweetness and a delightful soft texture.
🌟 Simple and Elegant – While the recipe is simple, the result is an elegant, flavorful cake that’s perfect for sharing.
🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a holiday celebration, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
💚 Timeless Recipe – Torta di Mele is a classic Italian dessert that has been loved for generations, and it’s easy to see why!
🍽 Great for Leftovers – This cake gets even better the day after it’s baked, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.