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    Cucina by Elena » Recipes » Classic Italian Recipes

    Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl)

    Published: Sep 11, 2021 · Modified: Oct 8, 2023 by Elena · 116 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Soft and Delicious Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl)- torta a le mele, a simple moist dessert, breakfast, or served as an afternoon tea cake. It's made with creamy yogurt, butter, and fresh apples with a bit of cinnamon for spice.

    This is a recipe the entire family will love. Every Italian Nonna has a recipe for apple cake, and here is my nonna's recipe for you!

    Italian Apple Cake one slice on a plate

    You will also love these easy and simple cakes Soft Italian Chocolate Cake (torta al ciocolato), Easy Italian Pear Cake (Torta di Pere), Chocolate Olive Oil Cake, and Easy Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Cream.

    Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl)

    After years of making this family recipe, this is a tried and true recipe everyone loves. Italian Apple Cake, also known as Torta di Mele, or torta alle mele is a moist and slightly cake that is perfectly sweetened.

    You will also love these Italian desserts- Chiacchiere di Carnevale Recipe (Italian Fried Pastries), Zeppole Recipe (Easy Italian Donuts), and Traditional Panettone Recipe (Italian Christmas Cake).

    Simple Ingredients

    • Apples
    • All-purpose flour
    • Baking powder
    • Sugar
    • Eggs (room temperature)
    • Yogurt
    • Butter
    • Pure Vanilla Extract
    • Cinnamon
    • Salt

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    You likely have all of these ingredients to make this cake today!

    How to make Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl) Step by Step

    apple cake making process

    With a few simple steps and only one bowl, you are on your way to enjoying the most delicious Italian apple cake!

    Italian Apple Cake process
    Italian apple cake before going in the oven

    When the kids come home from school and the house smells of cinnamon and apples they know what's coming! It is a perfect afternoon snack. It is simple to make and easy to enjoy!

    Classic Italian Dessert- Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl)

    Italian desserts are made with simple ingredients. They aren’t too sweet and make the perfect sweet bite indulgence without the guilt.

    Rarely will you see frosting or ice cream served with any authentic Italian cake. Occasionally, you will see a dusting of powdered sugar or cacao and a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

    This cake is fluffy, lightly sweetened, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving without leaving you feeling too heavy. Enjoy!

    What’s a 'torta di mele'?

    Torta di mele is an easy Italian apple cake that my nonna and many other nonnas make all the time! Why everyone loves this recipe:

    • It’s light and fluffy and packed full of apple slices.
    • There are only a few ingredients and very simple ingredients.
    • It only takes 10 minutes to prepare, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
    • It is always a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t like apple cake?
    Italian Apple Cake one slice on a plate

    Another one-bowl cake you will love is this Lemon Olive Oil Cake - a must-try!

    What Apples are Best for Cakes?

    • Honeycrisp, the crisp texture is guaranteed to hold firm.
    • Pink Lady balanced between sweet and tart. It will retain its distinct shape when used in this cake.
    • Granny Smith apples are always a safe bet as far as a baking apple.
    • Jonagold tart with a honeyed sweetness; Jonagolds hold up exceptionally well in the oven.

    The number of apples changes a bit depending on the size.

    • Small apples about 4.
    • Medium apples, about 3.
    • Large apples, about 2 ½.

    If you love apple recipes, then you will also enjoy these Baked Apples Slices!

    Cutting apples for Simple Italian Apple Cake

    I love to dice my apples into small pieces. I like to get plenty of apples in every bite, and this gives the best apple-to-cake ratio! You can certainly cut them into slices if you want bigger pieces.

    You can also decorate the top with pretty apple slices to show the cake has an apple in it. I sometimes take this extra step when taking it to a neighbor or friend. I use the diced apple pieces to make it just for us at home.

    It is also easier for the children to eat it this way since the apples are already cut small. Either way, it is delicious!

    The secret to Adding Yogurt to Italian Cakes

    What does yogurt do in a cake? Yogurt adds moisture and fat to a cake batter, making the cake moist. A cake baked with yogurt is never dry. It's always so soft, moist, and absolutely delicious. That is one secret to this super moist Italian apple cake.

    Another bonus to adding yogurt to cakes is the acidity of the yogurt works with the baking powder to leaven the cake and make it extra tall and super fluffy.

    You don't taste the yogurt at all! It is a secret weapon to add moistness and help your cake rise!

    Substitutions for this Simple Italian Apple Cake

    Low-Fat Yogurt

    It depends! Low-fat dairy products are often filled with "junk" to stabilize the texture. As long as the brand of non-fat yogurt doesn't have any fillers, it will work fine. One brand I recommend is Chobani nonfat yogurt as an alternative.

    Gluten-Free Option

    If you are making this simple Italian apple cake gluten-free, you can use this flour, and it will turn out delicious!

    Cake pan recommendation

    I like to use a springform pan so it is easy to take out the cake. You can use a regular 9.5/10-inch round pan as well.

    Make sure to let the cake cool completely after baking and before slicing. It is worth the wait to let the cake set! This cake is even better the next day.

    Go ahead... let your guests think you spent all day making this apple cake. It will be your go-to for bringing to a dinner party since it is easy to transport.

    Cake Baking Question: Why Do Cakes Sink in the Middle?

    Let me explain this to the baking scientist out there who has come up with all the possible reasons why your cake might sink in the middle! This is something that is far too common, and there are a variety of reasons for this baking disaster. These reasons are explained by, Chelsey from this post on ChelSweets:

    • UNDER BAKED. The most common reason why cakes sink in the middle is that they're underbaked. If a cake isn't fully baked through, the center doesn't have a chance to set and it will sink. This creates a doughy, dense texture in the center of your cake layer.
    • TOO MUCH LEAVENING. Too much leavening agent like baking soda or powder can cause a cake to rise too high too quickly. The gas from the leavening agents builds up and escapes before the cake bakes through in the center.
    • This causes the center to collapse and makes your cake layers sink in the middle. Another reason is- the leaving is expired and the cake couldn't rise properly. 
    • NOT WEIGHING THE FLOUR. A gram is always a gram, but a cup is not always a cup. When in doubt, measure your ingredients by grams to ensure the correct ratios. 
    • OPENING THE OVEN DOOR. If the oven door is opened and slammed after it’s opened, it can cause partially baked cakes to sink in the middle.
    • If the center isn’t set as the oven door is slammed, it can collapse and won’t be able to rise properly again. Opening the oven door will also cause a draft and decrease in the temperature in inside of the oven.  

    Source: ChelSweets.

    From my cucina to your table... Mangia! Mangia! (Eat!)

    Made with Amore, Elena

    More Italian Desserts you will love

    • Kefir Honey Panna Cotta Italian Recipe (Easy)
    • Italian Crostata Recipe (Jam filled Tart)
    • Easy Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Cream
    • Vanilla Cake Roll with Cream and Berries
    • Italian Crumble Cake with Jam Filling
    • Puff Pastry filled with Italian Cream
    • Easy Italian Pear Cake (Torta con le Pere) Easy

    I know you will love this Easy Italian Apple Cake Recipe! It is one we make often at home!

    Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.

    I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

    Print
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    Italian Apple Cake one slice on a plate

    Simple Italian Apple Cake (one bowl)

    ★★★★★

    5 from 51 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Easy Italian Apple Cake (torta a le mele), a simple moist dessert, breakfast, or served as an afternoon tea cake. Made with creamy yogurt, butter, and fresh apples with a little cinnamon for spice. This is a recipe the entire family will love. Every Italian Nonna has a recipe for this recipe and here is my nonna's for you!  

    • Total Time: 60 minutes
    • Yield: 12 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 3 large peeled (if desired) apples, cut into pieces
    • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
    • 3 teaspoons (14 g) baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¾ teaspoon (pinch) kosher salt
    • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
    • 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
    • ½ cup (113 g) butter, melted and cooled
    • 2 large eggs
    • ½ teaspoon (2 g) vanilla extract
    • Confectioner sugar for dusting

    Instructions

    1. Line a 9.5 inch round baking pan with parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray. Preheat oven at 350 degrees F
    2. In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, cream the sugar and eggs until you obtain a creamy and fluffy texture. About 5-8 minutes. 
    3. Stir in the yogurt, butter, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or spatula to combine until smooth (not the electric mixer). 
    4. In a separated bowl mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
    5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until well combined. Add the apples and mix gently. Place the batter into the prepared pan. Bake 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean*. If the cake starts to brown too much on top tent with the top with foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking. 
    6. Cool and dust cake with confectioner sugar. If desired, serve with freshly whipped cream. Enjoy!  

    Notes

    *The moisture of the apples may vary the cooking time a bit. You may need to add 10 minutes depending on how juicy the apples are. 

    • Author: Elena Davis
    • Prep Time: 15 min
    • Cook Time: 45 minutes
    • Category: Sweet
    • Method: Italian
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Keywords: apple, cake, easy cake, one bowl cake, yogurt, butter, cinnamon, Italian cake, Italian recipe, apple cake, dessert

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cucinabyelena on Instagram when you make the recipe! I would love to see it. Don't forget to leave a STAR RATING and REVIEW on this post. Thank you!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joanne says

      December 03, 2023 at 1:55 pm

      Finally made this cake today! It’s easy, delicious, fluffy, moist, and not too sweet. I used Gala apples and a 9x9 square pan. Will definitely make again. Thank you for a wonderful recipe! 😊

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        December 04, 2023 at 10:08 am

        You are welcome! It is a good one to have in your back pocket for a rainy day as it never disappoints.

        Reply
    2. Tia says

      November 24, 2023 at 5:08 am

      Made this for Thanksgiving dessert instead of a pie and this is was delicious. I made the day before and wrapped really well. When it was time to eat the next day I warmed it up for 10-15 seconds and it was so good! My kids even gobbled this one up. Thank you for all the recipes you share.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 26, 2023 at 8:26 pm

        You are most welcome! This easy cake is always a winner. Enjoy many more recipes!

        Reply
    3. Kristine Pappas says

      November 22, 2023 at 7:54 pm

      Made the apple cake for the first time for Thanksgiving, baked them into mini bundt cakes and they turned out perfect!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 26, 2023 at 8:31 pm

        Love the cute little bundt pan idea!

        Reply
    4. Abby McCrary says

      November 20, 2023 at 11:36 am

      This apple cake was amazing and a BIG hit with my family! I served it warm with vanilla bean ice cream, drizzled with caramel. So yummy, EASY, & fancy!!! This recipe is a keeper. The only thing I did different was use Kamut flour. Just cut the flour measurement by 3/4 cup. 🥰

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 20, 2023 at 1:52 pm

        Yay! Happy it turned out with Kamut flour- it's the best!

        Reply
    5. Collette says

      November 16, 2023 at 5:09 am

      So delicious and easy. Love a recipe that is simple, tastes incredible and doesn’t take much time.
      I actually made into small muffins as that serving size fit our needs and family better and perfection!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 16, 2023 at 9:37 am

        I love that you turned them into muffins. Yum!

        Reply
    6. Autumn Kristovich says

      November 14, 2023 at 5:46 pm

      I just made this apple cake in a Bundt pan and it was delicious! It has a wonderful soft texture while also holding together well. I will definitely be making this again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 15, 2023 at 9:53 am

        It is a super yummy cake! I love that you made it in a bundt pan!

        Reply
    7. Deb R says

      November 14, 2023 at 1:32 pm

      So moist and delicious! My family loved it. Simple to make too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 14, 2023 at 1:37 pm

        Yay! Happy they love it!

        Reply
    8. Heidi says

      November 10, 2023 at 11:56 am

      Amazing!
      the whole cake was devoured minutes after it was cooled.
      We took a few pieces to our neighbor, who is a veteran, to thank him for his service and he and his wife loved this cake.

      Question: I used whole milk Greek yogurt.
      Was I suppose to use whole milk yogurt that wasn’t strained? Just curious if there would have been a difference in the final product.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 10, 2023 at 7:31 pm

        That is so nice of you to share the cake on this special veterans day! Whole milk greek yogurt is great and what I use. There really isn't much difference with either the Greek or the regular for this recipe.

        Reply
    9. Tiffany Mehner says

      November 09, 2023 at 7:19 pm

      Was easy to make and delicious. Simple but fancy enough to serve to guests. This cake will be added to my rotation of favorites. Thanks you!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 10, 2023 at 10:49 am

        Yes! It is simple with just the right amount of fancy :). Happy everyone loved it.

        Reply
    10. Marianne says

      October 31, 2023 at 12:58 pm

      Super moist, simple to make and the perfect dessert to share with friends! And thank you for letting me know my substitution for the yogurt. Milk worked just as well.
      GRAZIE!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 01, 2023 at 2:46 pm

        Prego! I love that you shared it with friends 🙂

        Reply
    11. Christina says

      October 30, 2023 at 4:57 pm

      So good! I shared it with my mom too and she made it. we're Italian so it's always wonderful to find foods that resonate with our ancestral foodways. Thank you!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        November 01, 2023 at 2:48 pm

        You are welcome! Yes, this is a traditional and well loved Italian recipe.

        Reply
    12. Cathrin says

      October 27, 2023 at 5:35 pm

      Super yummy, moist, and easy to make. A keeper for sure!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        October 30, 2023 at 10:25 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    13. Bernadette says

      October 26, 2023 at 5:20 pm

      I just made this apple cake and it’s delicious! Easy to make and the house smells so good!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        October 26, 2023 at 5:23 pm

        yay! So happy you loved one of our family favorites!

        Reply
      • Elena says

        October 30, 2023 at 10:26 am

        Yes!

        Reply
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    Ciao! I'm Elena. Welcome to my cucina (kitchen). I was born in Italy and grew up spending my summers on the beaches of Sardegna cooking, eating, and sharing tasty Italian meals. Here you will find trusted, achievable, and delicious Italian (and more) recipes that highlight fresh ingredients with a simple process.

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