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A beautifully baked apple cake topped with decorative apple slices and a dusting of powdered sugar, presented on a rustic wooden table with autumn leaves in the background, accompanied by a slice of the cake on a white plate.

Easy Italian Apple Cake Recipe

This apple cake is super simple to make and has that cozy vibe you want when the weather’s turning cooler. It’s got a nice balance of sweet and tart apples and a little hint of cinnamon that just feels right for fall. Also, it’s not one of those fussy cakes that need a million steps or weird ingredients.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 slices
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9-inch Round Cake Pan
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and sliced thin
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar for dusting optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease the cake pan with some butter or oil, whatever’s handy. I usually just rub a little with a paper towel.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. It’s kind of a dry mix but gets better soon.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs with the oil and vanilla. This part always feels a little messy but it works out fine.
  • Pour the wet stuff into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Lumps are okay here, don’t overdo it.
  • Fold in the sliced apples gently so they’re spread out but not smashed. The apples give the cake some texture and moisture, which is nice.
  • Pour the batter into the pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean-ish. Oven times vary, so keep an eye on it after 40 minutes.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit before turning it out onto a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy or just want a little extra sweetness.

Notes

This cake is really perfect for fall afternoons with a cup of something warm. It keeps okay for a couple days but best eaten fresh. Leftovers can be warmed up slightly and still taste good.
Keyword apple, cake, easy, fall