Grandma's Apple Pie

Name: Grandma's Apple Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Stark apple 1.7 lbs; Eggs at room temperature 3; Type 00 flour 2 &frac13; cups; Butter 7 tbsp; Potato starch 1.8 oz; Sugar 0.8 cup; Cinnamon powder to taste; Whole milk at room temperature 0.4 cup; Baking powder 4 tsp; Lemon juice ½

it de es fr br

Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Serving: 8
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

When you think of grandma's apple cake, or torta di mele della nonna, you’re whisked away to Northern Italy. Really. And baking here is about bringing people together. This traditional apple cake recipe becomes a staple during those chilly afternoons when everyone huddles inside for warmth. Stark apples are the secret stars, adding just the right amount of sweet crunch to balance the moist, tender crumb of the cake. Each bite feels like a warm hug, capturing the essence of Italian comfort. And you know what? Grandmas pride themselves on using simple, top-notch ingredients: farm-fresh eggs, a splash of milk, and apples picked at their peak. The scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through the house draws everyone to the kitchen—lured by the promise of something golden and fresh from the oven.

In regions like Lombardy and Piedmont, folks often gather to swap stories or sip coffee while sharing slices of this homemade apple cake. What makes this old-fashioned apple cake so so beloved isn’t just the flavor—it’s the memories packed into every slice. The top gets a bit crispy, while the inside remains soft, with pockets of tender apple scattered throughout. People say the best part is that no two cakes are really the same; every family adds their own twist—maybe a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s often served slightly warm, letting that moist texture shine, especially when paired with a hot drink.

Whether it’s called a classic apple dessert or just a family favorite, this cake is something you never tire of. Can't go wrong. It pairs perfectly with breakfast or as an afternoon treat, and it always tastes like home. Making this traditional apple cake recipe feels less like work and more like carrying on a cherished tradition, which is pretty much the real magic behind a good vintage apple cake. It's a taste of Northern Italy that captures the heart and soul of family gatherings.

How to prepare Grandma's Apple Pie

To prepare grandma's apple pie, first peel the apples and remove the core 1. Slice them thinly. Put them in a bowl with the juice of half a lemon 2. Stir to distribute the juice better and prevent them from browning 3.

Melt the butter cut into pieces in the microwave for 30 seconds, or in a saucepan over very low heat. Let it cool slightly. In a bowl, pour the eggs, add the sugar 4, then sift in the cornstarch, flour 5, and baking powder 6.

Then pour in the cooled melted butter 7, milk 8, and ground cinnamon 9.

Work the ingredients with electric whisks 10 until you get a homogeneous mixture 11. When ready, add two-thirds of the apples to the batter and mix 12.

Pour the batter into a buttered and floured pan, preferably with a removable bottom 9 inches in diameter 13. Level 14 and add the remaining apples on top. Bake in a preheated fan oven at 350°F for 55 minutes. Use a toothpick to check the doneness before taking the cake out of the oven. Let it cool well before removing from the mold and serving the apple pie 15.