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Rustic Italian Apple Cake Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

This Rustic Italian Apple Cake combines tender diced apples with a moist, buttery cake base, enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and a perfect balance of sweetness. Baked to golden perfection, this cake is ideal for a cozy dessert or a delightful afternoon treat, capturing the essence of traditional Italian home baking.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for cake pan)
  • 1 cup sugar (plus 2 tbsp sugar for apples)
  • 2.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 8 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (plus extra for cake pan)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature if possible
  • 2 golden delicious apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith can be used as well)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
  2. Prepare the Cake Pan: Take a 9-inch round cake pan, rub a tablespoon of butter around the inside including the sides, then sprinkle about a tablespoon of flour into the pan. Shake it around so the flour coats the butter evenly. Turn the pan upside down over the sink and tap out any excess flour. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Apples: Peel the apples with a peeler, or leave skins on if you prefer. Slice each apple into quarters around the core and discard the core. Dice these apple wedges into small pieces.
  4. Toss Apples: In a small bowl, combine the diced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons sugar. Mix well and set aside so the apples soften slightly and stay fresh.
  5. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and 1 cup sugar together on medium speed until the mixture turns pale yellow and smooth in texture.
  6. Add Butter: Whip in the room temperature butter into the egg and sugar mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
  7. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and optional cinnamon to ensure even distribution and a light texture.
  8. Combine Batter: Gradually stir the sifted dry ingredients into the egg and butter mixture. The batter will be very thick; mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
  9. Fold in Apples: Pour the prepared diced apples with their lemon-sugar mixture into the thick batter. Fold gently to distribute the apples evenly throughout the batter.
  10. Transfer to Pan: Spoon the dense batter into the buttered and floured cake pan. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the batter evenly, pushing it to the sides and smoothing the top to eliminate bumps.
  11. Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when the top turns a nice golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at 25 minutes due to oven variations.
  12. Cool in Pan: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool in the pan for 20 minutes.
  13. Release Cake: After 20 minutes, carefully flip the pan upside down onto the cooling rack. The cake should release easily; if it doesn’t, gently tap the bottom of the pan to loosen it.
  14. Cool Completely: Flip the cake right side up and let it cool for an additional 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.
  15. Serve or Store: Serve the cake immediately for best freshness, or store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Notes

  • Using room temperature eggs and butter helps achieve a smooth, well-mixed batter.
  • If you prefer a tangier apple flavor, Granny Smith apples work well instead of Golden Delicious.
  • The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm spice note that complements the apples beautifully.
  • Ensure the cake pan is well buttered and floured to prevent sticking and to help with easy release.
  • Check the cake early when baking times vary between ovens to avoid over-baking.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/rustic-italian-apple-cake-recipe/