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Slice of Easy Italian Apple Cake with apples and spices on a plate

Easy Italian Apple Cake

A charming dessert filled with juicy apples, rich butter, and zesty lemon, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup self-raising flour Alternatively, use all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder.
  • ½ cup sugar For a sweet yet balanced flavor.
  • 1 large lemon Rind and juice for flavor.
  • 3 large eggs Lightly beaten.
  • 4.5 ounces butter Melted; alternatively, use ½ cup of oil.
  • 4 pieces apples Peeled and sliced thinly.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Optional, for warmth and spice.
  • ¾ cup pine nuts Optional, with ½ cup mixed into the batter.
  • to taste none icing sugar For dusting before serving.
For Serving
  • to taste none cream, ice cream, or custard Optional for serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C) in a fan oven.
  2. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with baking paper and lightly grease it.
  3. Zest the lemon and squeeze the juice into a bowl with the chopped apples to prevent browning.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and lemon zest. Add the eggs, melted butter (or oil), cinnamon, and half of the pine nuts, plus 2/3 of the sliced apples. Stir gently until just combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Arrange the remaining sliced apples on top in a circular pattern. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and pine nuts.
Baking
  1. Bake for approximately 1 hour, checking after 45 minutes. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Finishing Touches
  1. Allow the cake to cool slightly. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract. Use firm apples like Granny Smith. To make a healthier version, substitute butter with applesauce.