Italian Apple Cake with Sour Cream Recipe
This Italian Apple Cake with Sour Cream is a comforting, rustic dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe apples with the richness of sour cream and the delicate flavor of a simple, buttery cake. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a fancy afternoon tea. The apples give it a lovely moistness, while the sour cream ensures a velvety texture. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake is bound to warm the hearts of all who taste it.
History and Formation
The Italian apple cake, or Torta di Mele, has deep roots in the Italian countryside. Like many Italian desserts, it uses simple, locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the natural flavors of fresh fruit. The addition of sour cream to the cake is a slightly modern twist, making it extra moist and rich. In Italy, apple cakes are often baked in home kitchens, where they are cherished as an everyday treat or served at celebratory meals.
The combination of apples and sour cream isn’t traditionally Italian, but it’s a perfect fusion of cultures. The sour cream adds a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness of the apples and sugar, creating a cake that’s both flavorful and decadent without being overly heavy. This version has become popular not just in Italy, but also in many countries, loved for its simplicity and versatility.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 200ml sour cream
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Apples:
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small cubes. If you prefer a more pronounced apple flavor, you can also grate the apples, but chopping them gives a lovely texture to the cake.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). This ensures the cake is light and airy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake.
6. Add the Apples:
Fold the chopped apples into the batter. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the cake mixture.
7. Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden and slightly firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Method Overview:
The method for making this Italian Apple Cake is straightforward and designed to maintain the rustic nature of the dessert. Mixing wet and dry ingredients separately ensures the cake remains light and fluffy. The folding of apples into the batter at the end keeps their texture intact, giving you that perfect bite of apple in every slice.
Lovers of the Cake:
This cake will appeal to anyone who loves simple, comforting desserts that rely on natural ingredients rather than artificial flavorings. It’s a cake that brings out the best in fruit-based desserts—those who enjoy apple pies, crumble, and other apple-centered treats will find this cake a true delight. It’s also a great choice for those who love cakes with a tender crumb, thanks to the addition of sour cream.
Variations and Additions:
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, to give the cake a more fall-inspired flavor.
- Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, you can add some chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter.
- Glaze: A simple lemon or vanilla glaze could be drizzled over the cooled cake for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Yogurt instead of sour cream: If you prefer a slightly lighter version, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt.
Conclusion:
This Italian Apple Cake with Sour Cream is the perfect way to celebrate the humble apple. The cake’s texture is moist yet light, and the apples infuse each bite with sweetness and flavor. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a recipe that will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The simplicity of the ingredients and methods ensures it’s not only easy to make, but it’s also a dessert that will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly and your loved ones smiling.
So, grab some fresh apples, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of this delicious, Italian-inspired cake. Buon appetito! 🍏🎂