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Italian Apple Cake
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Rustic Italian Apple Cake – Torta de Mele

Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Keyword Apple, Cake, Olive Oil Cake
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
Calories 307kcal
Author Elena Paravantes, MS, RD

Ingredients

  • 3 apples peeled and sliced
  • 1 Juice and zest from 1 medium lemon 2 tbsp juice
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150 g) Granulated sugar + 2 tbsp for sprinkling on top
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ tbsp (50 g) Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ⅔ cups (200 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (200 g) full fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp + 1 tsp (16 g) baking powder
  • 1 tbsp Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 350 ℉ (180 ℃) and line a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Wash the apples, dry them, peel them and cut them into slices, not too thin (see photo above). Place them in a bowl and squeeze some lemon juice over them so that they do not turn brown.
  • In a large bowl mix with electric mixer the eggs, sugar, vanilla and lemon zest until you have a fluffy and pale mixture about 3 minutes. Add the olive oil and continue mixing until incorporated and smooth.
  • In a measuring cup, mix the flour with the baking powder and then add by the spoonful to the egg mixture alternating with the yogurt while mixing at medium speed. Once ingredients have been incorporated you should have a smooth but thick mixture, it should not be liquidy.
  • Empty the batter in the 9-inch cake pan or springform pan.
  • Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern placing them upright (not flat), pushing them in only slightly, starting with the outer circle, then moving inner wards with a smaller circle, and another until you have filled the whole surface (see photo above).
  • Mix together 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle the surface of the cake.
  • Place the cake in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, use the toothpick test to make sure it is done.
  • Remove from the oven. Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes and dust with the powdered sugar.

Notes

To Store
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it, by covering in aluminum foil and then with plastic wrap.
How to Serve
Typically this is served at room temperature. It pairs well with coffee but it is a great dessert especially after a heavy holiday meal. You can also serve with some whipped cream or ice cream for a richer dessert, but I feel that its simplicity and lightness is what makes this dessert special.

Nutrition

Calories: 307kcal | Protein: 6.7g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2.1g