Italian desserts are renowned for their simplicity, elegance, and unparalleled taste. This favorite Italian Apple Pie embodies these qualities, offering a light, fluffy texture that practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion, this pie combines the natural sweetness of apples with a tender, moist cake, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and delightful. Whether you’re serving it as a treat for yourself or impressing guests, this apple pie is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling)
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 120g (1/2 cup) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) seed oil (such as sunflower or vegetable oil)
- 50 ml (1/4 cup) milk
- 180g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 10g (2 teaspoons) baking powder
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a 24 cm (9.5 inches) springform pan and sprinkle the bottom with 2 tablespoons of sugar. This will create a slightly caramelized base for the apple pie.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until frothy.
- Gradually add the 120g of sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is pale and creamy. This process incorporates air, making the cake light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients:
- Slowly pour in the seed oil while continuing to mix, ensuring it is fully incorporated.
- Add the milk and mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. You can cut them into thin wedges or circles, depending on your preference.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange half of the sliced apples over the batter in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apples and spread it evenly.
- Arrange the remaining apple slices on top of the batter in a decorative pattern.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the springform ring and transfer the pie to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the pie at room temperature or slightly warm. Optionally, you can dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Eggs at Room Temperature: Using eggs at room temperature helps achieve a better rise and a fluffier texture in the cake.
- Mixing Technique: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently to maintain the air incorporated during the beating of eggs and sugar.
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for a balanced flavor.
- Even Slices: Slice the apples thinly and uniformly to ensure they cook evenly and create a beautiful pattern on top.
Nutritional Benefits
This Italian Apple Pie, while indulgent, offers some nutritional benefits:
- Apples: High in dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and various antioxidants. Apples support heart health and aid digestion.
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and D.
- Moderate Sugar: With just 120g of sugar in the batter, this pie has a moderate level of sweetness, allowing the natural flavors of the apples to shine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy: The airy texture of the cake combined with the tender apple slices makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh apples, this recipe is straightforward and easy to prepare.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Elegant Presentation: The arranged apple slices on top make the pie visually appealing and impressive for guests.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free: Safe for individuals with nut allergies.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond milk or any plant-based milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it balances the simplicity of a cake with the natural sweetness and moisture of fresh apples. Beating the eggs with sugar incorporates air, creating a light, fluffy batter. The oil and milk add moisture, ensuring the cake is tender. Arranging the apples in layers within the batter not only adds flavor but also ensures a uniform texture throughout the pie. Baking at the right temperature allows the cake to rise evenly and the apples to soften perfectly.
- Layering Technique: By layering apples within the batter and on top, you ensure that every bite has the perfect apple-to-cake ratio.
- Moderate Sweetness: The restrained use of sugar in the batter allows the apples’ natural sweetness to stand out, creating a well-balanced dessert.
- Proper Mixing: Folding the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture prevents overmixing, which can result in a dense cake. This technique keeps the batter light and airy.
Conclusion
Italy’s Favorite Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the simplicity of a traditional cake with the freshness of apples. Its light, fluffy texture and sweet apple flavor make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients, this pie is both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this apple pie is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of this delicious Italian Apple Pie that melts in your mouth!