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Soft and Delicious Italian Apple Cake

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!

Italian Apple Cake one slice on a plate

Classic Italian Desserts

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 true Italian cake. At most, there is 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!

Basic and easy ingredients for this easy Italian apple cake

  • apples
  • flour
  • baking powder
  • cinnamon
  • sugar
  • eggs
  • yogurt
  • butter

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

Italian Apple Cake one slice on a plate

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 is this a classic Italian 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?

What apples are best for cakes?

  • Honeycrisp It is shatteringly 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. If they’re small apples, 4 is about right. If they are very large two and a half apples will do. If they are medium apples, 3 is right!

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Best way to cut apples for cakes

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 apple in it. I sometimes do this extra step when taking it to a neighbor or friend. If I am making it just for us at home I use the diced apple pieces. It is also easier to eat it this way for the children since the apples are already cut small. Either way it is delicious!

Can I use low-fat yogurt for this cake?

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 non fat yogurt as an alternative.

Can I use oil instead of butter for this cake?

Absolutely! You will use the same amount of oil as the melted butter. The cake will have a different flavor, and be a little lighter in the crumb. Try olive oil for a deep and rich flavor! If you prefer to keep it neutral use a non flavor oil such as, avocado oil.

Simple process to make this Italian Apple Cake

apple cake process

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

Italian Apple Cake process

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!

Italian apple cake before going in the oven

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

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

Made with Amore, Elena

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Italian Crumble Cake with Jam Filling

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Italian Apple Cake one slice on a plate
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Italian Apple Cake one slice on a plate

Easy Italian Apple Cake

  • Author: Elena Davis
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Sweet
  • Method: Italian
  • Cuisine: Italian
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Description

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!  

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large peeled (if desired) apples, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons (14 grams) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
  • 3/4 teaspoon (pinch) kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 Cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk yogurt
  • 1/2 cup (57 grams) butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) 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, whip the sugar and eggs until you obtain a creamy and fluffy texture.
  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, 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 

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. 

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