Italian Apple Sheet Cake
Quick Info
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
– Total Time: 50–55 minutes
– Servings: 9–12 squares
– Oven Temperature: 180°C (350°F)
– Pan: Rectangular or square baking pan
– Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
– 3–4 medium apples (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 3 large eggs
– 100 g granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla sugar
– 60 g melted butter, or neutral vegetable oil
– 100 ml milk
– 150 g all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 8–10 g)
– A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a rectangular or square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the bottom and sides are covered.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, uniform half-moon pieces. Keep the slices similar in thickness so they bake evenly.
3. Arrange the Apples
Arrange the apple slices in tightly overlapping rows across the bottom of the prepared pan, covering the entire surface.
4. Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy.
Gradually whisk in the melted butter and milk.
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently mix until you have a smooth, thin, pourable batter without lumps. Avoid overmixing.
5. Pour the Batter
Carefully pour the batter evenly over the arranged apple slices. Gently spread it if needed, allowing the batter to flow between the slices and cover the apples.
6. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Lift it out using the parchment paper and cut into neat squares before serving.
Tips
– Slice the apples very thinly to achieve the signature delicate texture of this Italian cake.
– Granny Smith apples add a pleasant tart flavor, while Golden Delicious apples create a sweeter result.
– Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake tender.
– If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the final minutes of baking.
– Dust with a little powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Result
A delicate Italian apple sheet cake with beautifully layered apple slices, a soft and tender crumb, and a lightly golden top. Every bite is filled with sweet apple flavor, making it perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a simple homemade dessert.
