On cool afternoons, this cake feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. The scent of apples and butter fills the air, and each slice is soft, sweet, and packed with fruit. This easy Italian apple cake takes just minutes to prepare, but it tastes like something that’s been cherished for generations.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Italian Apple Cake
This recipe is all about simplicity and comfort.
It’s rustic, with more apples than batter, and no spices to cover their flavor.
Prep takes only 10 minutes, and it works for breakfast, dessert, or with coffee.
You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it keeps beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Apples
- 5 apples (2 lb / 1 kg) – Golden Reinette preferred
- Or use Royal Gala, Granny Smith, or any local juicy apple
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour (8.8 oz)
- ½ cup caster sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 fresh eggs
- ½ lemon juice
Topping
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- ¼ cup caster sugar
Best Apples for Italian Apple Cake
Crisp, aromatic apples work best. Golden Reinette has a sweet, floral note. Royal Gala is mellow and juicy. Granny Smith adds a tangy kick.
These hold their shape in baking while releasing enough juice for a creamy center.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the apples
Peel and cut into chunks.
Toss with lemon juice to stop browning.

2. Make the batter
Cream butter and sugar until light.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. Assemble the cake
Mix flour with baking powder.
Add to the batter until smooth.
Line and grease a 9-inch pan.
Pour in batter, then scatter apples and push them in gently.
4. Bake and cool
Pour melted butter and sugar over the apples.
Bake at 355°F (180°C) for 1 hour.
Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan.

Cupcake Version Option
Cut apples into smaller cubes.
Fill 12 cupcake liners evenly.
Bake at 355°F (180°C) for 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
Serve warm with a dusting of icing sugar.
Pair with vanilla gelato or ice cream for a treat.
Store airtight for up to 4 days at room temperature.
Variations With Other Fruits
Try pears, peaches, pineapple, or berries.
Keep the fruit-to-batter ratio high for the same creamy texture.
Easy Italian Apple Cake Recipe Card
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Easy Italian Apple Cake – Moist & Wonderful Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Moist and tender Italian apple cake packed with fresh apples, buttery flavor, and no spices — quick to prepare and perfect for dessert or coffee.
Ingredients
5 apples (2 lb / 1 kg) – Golden Reinette preferred, or Royal Gala, Granny Smith
1½ cups flour (8.8 oz)
½ cup caster sugar
4 tsp baking powder
½ cup butter (room temperature)
2 fresh eggs
½ lemon juice
Topping: ¼ cup butter (melted)
Topping: ¼ cup caster sugar
Instructions
1. Peel and cut apples into chunks, toss with lemon juice.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Mix flour with baking powder, add to batter and mix until smooth.
5. Line and grease a 9-inch (24 cm) round cake pan.
6. Pour batter into the pan, scatter apples over the top and push them gently into the batter.
7. Pour melted butter over apples, then sprinkle with sugar.
8. Bake at 355°F (180°C) for 1 hour until golden and set.
9. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Notes
Cupcake version: Cut apples into smaller cubes, fill 12 cupcake liners, bake 30 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature with optional icing sugar or vanilla gelato.
Store airtight for up to 4 days.
Prevent apples from browning with lemon juice.
Push apples deep into the batter for a creamy center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 416
- Sugar: 31
- Sodium: 171
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 59
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 87
More Such Recipes
If you love apple bakes, you’ll enjoy Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins for a Cozy Fall Treat.
For a spreadable delight, try Slow Cooker Apple Butter for Homemade Sweetness.
Or bake Easy Crescent Roll Apple Turnovers in Under 30 Minutes.
FAQ
Should you cook apples before putting them in a cake?
No, fresh apples bake perfectly in this cake and stay tender.
What is the traditional Italian cake?
Torta di Mele is a classic home-style apple cake served in many Italian homes.
What is the best apple to use for apple cake?
Golden Reinette, Royal Gala, or Granny Smith are great for flavor and texture.
What are the ingredients in apple cake?
This version uses flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking powder, apples, and lemon juice.
Final Thoughts
This easy Italian apple cake is proof that simple recipes can be the most memorable. It’s quick to make, perfect for sharing, and endlessly adaptable. If you bake it, share a photo with us on Pinterest or Facebook we’d love to see your version.