Homemade Italian Apple Cake
There’s something magical about the smell of apples and vanilla baking in the oven. It instantly takes me back to cozy afternoons in the kitchen, where the simplest ingredients turned into the most comforting desserts. This Homemade Italian Apple Cake feels like one of those timeless recipes — humble, rustic, and full of heart.There’s something magical about the smell of apples and vanilla baking in the oven. It instantly takes me back to cozy afternoons in the kitchen, where the simplest ingredients turned into the most comforting desserts. This Homemade Italian Apple Cake feels like one of those timeless recipes — humble, rustic, and full of heart.
I first fell in love with Italian-style apple cake after tasting a soft, lightly sweet slice at a small family-run café. It wasn’t overly frosted or complicated. Instead, it tasted like home — tender apples, buttery crumbs, and a gentle hint of citrus and cinnamon. That memory inspired me to recreate that warmth in my own kitchen.
This cake is the kind of recipe you make when you want to slow down. It pairs perfectly with afternoon coffee, cozy weekend baking, or a simple dessert for dinner when you crave something homemade but not overly indulgent.
Whether you’re baking for holidays, hosting guests, or just treating yourself to a comforting slice, this easy Homemade Italian Apple Cake delivers old-world charm, tender texture, and a bakery-worthy finish — all with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
Apples
3 medium apples about 450g, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cinnamon optional
Cake Batter
3 large eggs room temperature
¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
½ cup 120ml vegetable oil (or melted butter)
⅓ cup 80ml milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Topping (Optional)
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (180°C).
Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan.
Prepare the Apples
Toss apple slices with lemon juice and cinnamon.
Set aside to prevent browning.
Make the Batter
In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and slightly fluffy.
Add oil, milk, and vanilla, then mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in Apples
Gently fold half of the apples into the batter.
Assemble the Cake
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Arrange remaining apple slices on top in a decorative pattern.
Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon if desired.
Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Serve
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
What to Serve with Homemade Italian Apple Cake
Fresh + Light Sides
Whipped cream, fresh berries, vanilla yogurt
Comfort Food Pairings
Warm caramel sauce, cinnamon cream, honey drizzle
Holiday Table Classics
Mulled cider, espresso, hot chocolate
Protein Options
Serve alongside breakfast eggs or Greek yogurt for brunch
Starches + Breads
Butter croissants, toasted brioche, almond biscotti
Variations
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
Add cinnamon sugar topping for a caramelized finish.
Almond Italian Apple Cake
Mix almond extract into batter and top with sliced almonds.
Rustic Olive Oil Apple Cake
Swap butter for olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
Spiced Holiday Apple Cake
Add nutmeg, cloves, and ginger for festive flavor.
Low Sugar Apple Cake
Reduce sugar slightly and rely on natural apple sweetness.