Italian Apple Amaretti Cake Recipe

Italian Apple Amaretti Cake is a fragrant and easy dessert that doesn't require long preparation times or the use of electric whisks. Light and delicious, it is perfect to serve at tea time, but also for a healthy breakfast, accompanied by a cup of creamy cappuccino.

This is a simple dessert with a rustic flavor, characterized by a golden and crunchy crust, and a moist and melting heart. To bring it to the table, you will first have to combine all the dry ingredients – crumbled amaretti, flour, sifted yeast and sugar – and then incorporate the peeled and diced apples, the eggs at room temperature and the seed oil.

Once everything is mixed, you can pour the mixture into a pan lined with baking paper, complete with apple slices to be placed over the entire surface, and baked. You will thus obtain a fragrant cake, to be dusted with an impalpable layer of icing sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of custard, for a delicious end to the meal with which to conquer your guests, even the most demanding ones.

What is Italian Apple Amaretti Cake?

Italian apple amaretti cake is a delightful dessert that combines tender apples with the unique crunch and flavor of amaretti cookies. This cake has roots in traditional Italian baking, where simple, high-quality ingredients shine. Amaretti, originating from Saronno in Lombardy, are almond-based cookies with a signature bittersweet taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of apples. The cake reflects Italian culinary values: rustic, comforting, and full of character.

Fun fact: in Italian households, amaretti often hold a place of honor, used in everything from cakes to fillings in pasta and even savory dishes, adding a special twist with their almond essence!

Pro Tips for The Best Italian Apple Amaretti Cake

• Opt for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji to balance the sweetness and maintain a good texture during baking.
• For the best flavor and crunch, crush the amaretti cookies just before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay crisp and enhances the almond aroma.
• Bringing eggs and butter to room temperature allows for a smoother batter and more even baking.
• Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender and prevent it from becoming dense.
• For a beautiful finish and extra crunch, sprinkle crushed amaretti on top before baking.
• Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly so the flavors have time to meld, and the texture firms up for easier slicing.

What Are the Best Apples to Use for This Cake?

In our recipe we used the Golden variety, but you can choose the one you like best: the Renetta and the Pink Lady will also be excellent.

What Are Amaretti Biscuits?

Amaretti biscuits are traditional Italian cookies made from almonds, sugar, and egg whites, known for their crunchy exterior and chewy center. Originating in Saronno, Lombardy, they have a distinct bittersweet almond flavor, thanks to the inclusion of apricot kernels. Amaretti have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, often enjoyed with coffee or used in various desserts.

What Else Can I Add to This Cake?

If you prefer, you can flavor the mixture with a pinch of cinnamon powder, a perfect match for the apples and amaretti, or opt for a drop of vanilla extract, some crushed cardamom seeds, for a floral and spicy aftertaste, or a little grated zest of an organic lemon. If you want to make it even more delicious, you can also add a handful of chocolate chips or flaked almonds.

Why is My Cake so Tough and Dense?

The cake might turn out dense and tough if the batter is overmixed, as this can develop too much gluten, making it heavy. Additionally, using cold ingredients or not measuring flour accurately can also lead to a denser texture.

Why Did my Cake Collapse in The Middle?

The cake may collapse in the middle if it was underbaked, as the center remains too soft to hold its structure. Opening the oven door too early or overmixing the batter can also cause it to sink by disrupting the rise.

Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! Bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Does This Cake Freeze Well?

It does! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

More Apple Cakes You Can Try Your Hand at This Fall!

Irish Apple Cake

Invisible Apple Cake

Classic Italian Apple Cake

Custard Apple Cake

Upside Down Caramel Apple Cake

Cinnamon Upside Down Apple Cake

Apple Dapple Cake

How to Store Italian Apple Amaretti Cake

Any leftovers can be stored at room temperature, well closed in an airtight container or covered with a glass bell, for 3 days maximum.

How to Make Italian Apple Amaretti Cake

Crumble the amaretti biscuits with your hands in a bowl, or blend them quickly with the help of a kitchen mixer: you should obtain a rough mixture.

Combine the sugar, flour and baking powder, previously sifted.

Mix all the ingredients well.

Peel two apples, remove the core and cut them into small pieces, then add them to the dry ingredients.

Shell two eggs and add the seed oil.

Mix well with a spatula, to combine the dry ingredients with the liquid ones.

Pour the mixture into a 26×16 cm cake tin lined with baking paper and level with the back of a spoon to obtain a uniform thickness.

Cut an apple into thin slices and distribute them over the surface of the cake. If you prefer, you can quickly pass them in a bowl with some flour, to make sure they don't sink into the dough.

Cook in a static oven at 360°F (180°C) for 45 minutes, then do the toothpick test before taking it out of the oven. Once ready, let the cake cool before removing it from the pan.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Enjoy!