Italian Apple Cake (Torta di Mele)

 

Italian Apple Cake (Torta di Mele)

Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter (melted) or vegetable oil
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 lemon (zest + juice to prevent apple browning)
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Peel and core the apples. Slice them thinly and sprinkle with lemon juice.
3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add melted butter (or oil), milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well.
5. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
7. Arrange the apple slices on top in a circular pattern, slightly pressing them into the batter.
8. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Would you like me to also give you a version with less sugar and butter for a lighter cake, or keep this classic one?