Roman Apple Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Italian

Roman Apple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons. Its rich, buttery texture combined with the sweetness of apples makes it a comforting treat that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup margarine
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups diced apples
  • 1 cup sour milk

Instructions

  1. Cream together margarine, sugar, brown sugar, and beaten eggs.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add dry ingredients alternately with sour milk to the creamed mixture.
  4. Fold in diced apples.
  5. Spread the batter in a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
  6. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the sour milk with buttermilk or plain yogurt for a similar tang. If you prefer a sweeter cake, you might increase the brown sugar slightly. To enhance the spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. For a twist, you can mix in some nuts or raisins for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Roman Apple Cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy brunch, serve it alongside Betsy'S Italian Potato Souffle and a fresh fruit salad. It also makes a great afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Roman Apple Cake contains roughly 286 calories, with 4g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

286 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.1g 8% DV
Total Fat 3.8g 5% DV
Carbs 60.9g 22% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 12g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1005.1mg 44% DV
Potassium 384.6mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 129mg 43% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 31.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 24.7mg 27% DV
Calcium 219.5mg 17% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or diced peaches. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the moisture level, so adjust the baking time if necessary. Experimenting with seasonal fruits can lead to delicious variations of this cake.

What type of apples work best for this cake?

For baking, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice due to their tartness, which complements the sweetness of the cake. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. A mix of tart and sweet apples can add depth to the cake's taste.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically. The edges should also start to pull away from the pan.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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