The butterless renette apple cake is a simple, genuine dessert that can win you over at the first bite.
The renette apples, with their soft flesh and slightly tangy taste, perfectly match with a light yet enveloping dough, giving the cake a moist and irresistible texture. Without butter, but with all the goodness of tradition, this dessert is perfect for those seeking a lighter alternative, without sacrificing the pleasure of a great classic.
Ideal for breakfast, perfect for a snack, this cake is a hug of authentic flavors that brings the warmth of simplicity to the table.
Let yourself be won over by the scent of freshly baked apples and the pleasure of a homemade dessert! 🍏✨

- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4/6 people
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Fall, Winter
Ingredients for the butterless renette apple cake:
- 3 Renette apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 lemon
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk (at room temperature)
- 2 medium eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 tsp baking powder
Tools for the butterless renette apple cake:
- 1 Oven
- 2 Bowls
- 1 Whisk
Steps for preparing and baking the butterless renette apple cake:
Wash the lemon well, then grate the zest and squeeze the lemon.
Cut the apples in half, peel them, and remove the core:
– Slice 2 apples thinly, then place them in a large bowl, add 2/3 of the lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of sugar, stir the apples to let them absorb the flavors and let rest for 10 minutes.
– Cut the remaining apple into small pieces and season with the remaining lemon juice and 2 scant teaspoons of sugar, stir well.
In a bowl, place the eggs with the sugar and beat well with the whisk, add the lemon zest, milk, vegetable oil, and stir well. Finally, gradually add the flour sifted with baking powder.
Continue to stir the ingredients well with the whisk to obtain a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
Add the chopped apples and combine them into the mixture, stirring with a spoon.
Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan, pour in the batter, and level it well, arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern.
Sprinkle with a few tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Bake at 356°F for 35/40 minutes (perform the toothpick test).
Let the cake cool before serving.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use some Greek yogurt along with the milk?
Absolutely, you can use 80 grams of Greek yogurt and 150 ml of milk.
Can I add some whole wheat flour?
Yes, just use 100 grams of whole wheat flour and 100 grams of all-purpose flour.
I’m lactose intolerant, what can I use instead?
You can use almond, oat, or soy milk in the same quantity.
Can I make a more indulgent version?
Definitely, you can add some dark chocolate chips to the batter, the combination of chocolate and renette apples is surprising and perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
I noticed no spices are added in the recipe, can I add any and if so, which ones?
You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered ginger to the batter.
Can I use orange zest instead of lemon?
Certainly, also use the orange juice to enhance the flavor of the apples.