Imagine cutting into a slice of pure Italian comfort, where delicate apple slices dance between layers of golden, fragrant cake, and a whisper of cinnamon fills the air. This Torta di Mele is not just a dessert; it's a culinary journey that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy, where every bite tells a story of tradition, love, and simple, extraordinary ingredients. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and become an instant family favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly into uniform pieces. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Whisk together until the mixture becomes light and slightly frothy.
- Gradually pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to whisk, ensuring a smooth and well-incorporated mixture.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Arrange half of the apple slices on the bottom of the prepared cake pan, creating an overlapping pattern.
- Pour the cake batter over the apple slices, ensuring an even distribution.
- Arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter, creating a decorative pattern.
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
- Slice and serve at room temperature. The cake can be enjoyed plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla gelato.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking.
- Slice apples uniformly: Consistent apple slices ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Don't overmix the batter: Gentle folding prevents a tough cake texture. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
- Check for doneness: A toothpick should come out clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Serve at room temperature: This brings out the full depth of flavors and ensures the most tender texture.
- Optional enhancement: A light dusting of cinnamon alongside powdered sugar can add an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
