Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work well)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
If you find yourself without all-purpose flour, you can substitute with a gluten-free blend to suit dietary preferences. The apples are truly the star here, so choose ones that are firm and flavorful for the best results.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them as thinly as possible. I like to use a mandoline for this step, which reminds me of the precision my grandmother, Nonna Rosa, would employ in her own kitchen.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and frothy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and whisk until combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Add the apple slices to the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This part is a bit messy but incredibly rewarding, as it reminds me of baking with my mother, who always said the best dishes require getting your hands a little dirty.
- Pour the apple-batter mixture into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The anticipation as the cake bakes and fills the kitchen with its warm aroma is one of my favorite parts of the process.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
