Torta di Mele: A Slice of Italian Delight
Torta di mele
Equipment
- Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized apples Granny Smith or Fuji work well
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour can substitute with gluten-free flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Set them aside. You can sprinkle them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then, mix in the melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake stand for about 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired, and slice into wedges. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
- Variations
- Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or almonds.
- Different Fruits: You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice to give the cake a unique twist.
If you’re looking for a delicious Italian dessert that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor, look no further than Torta di Mele. This traditional apple cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or a casual afternoon treat. Based on my overall experience, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, making it a versatile choice that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Let me show you how I make this delightful dessert.
What to Expect
When you bake Torta di Mele, you’ll be treated to a delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen. The cake will have a soft, moist texture with sweet, tender apple slices throughout. The slightly crispy top adds a lovely contrast to the softness of the cake. This dessert is not only tasty but also gives a warm, homemade vibe that everyone will appreciate.
Quick Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 230
- Cost of Ingredients: $10–$15 (varies by location)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Dessert
- Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- OvenCheck out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Torta di Mele here
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- OvenCheck out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Torta di Mele here
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Set them aside. You can sprinkle them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then, mix in the melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the sliced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake stand for about 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired, and slice into wedges. Serve it warm or at room temperature.
Variations
- Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or almonds.
- Different Fruits: You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice to give the cake a unique twist.
- OvenCheck out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making Torta di Mele here
Tips and Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.
- Sugar Alternatives: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 14g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Cake Is Too Dense: Ensure that you’re not overmixing the batter and that your baking powder is fresh.
- Cake Is Dry: Check the baking time; it might need a few minutes less or more, depending on your oven.
- Apples Sink: Make sure to fold them in gently and not leave them too long before baking.
Final Thoughts
Torta di Mele is more than just an apple cake; it’s a slice of Italian tradition that can easily become a beloved recipe in any household. Its simplicity allows you to enjoy the process and the results without any fuss. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake is sure to please. So grab your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy this delightful Italian treat, and remember, it’s all about enjoying the experience in the kitchen. Happy baking!
Hi!
I’m Mike, the creator of Forum Foodies. In my own personal experience, understanding ingredients is key to great cooking.
Forum Foodies offers guides on various ingredients, from staples to exotic finds. Join our community, share your experiences, and learn from fellow food lovers.
Have questions or suggestions? Email me at info@forumfoodies.com. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Happy cooking.
Mike/