🌿 Overview

This rustic Mediterranean dessert combines the comforting warmth of baked apples with the golden richness of extra virgin olive oil, fragrant honey, and a touch of lemon zest. It’s a cross between an apple tart and a soft cake — moist, aromatic, and glowing with caramelized fruit.

Perfect for cozy evenings, paired with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

🍎 Ingredients

For the Cake Base

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) fine semolina (adds a lovely Mediterranean texture)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Zest of 1 large lemon or orange

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup (180ml) extra virgin olive oil (use a mild, fruity one)
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey (preferably thyme or orange blossom honey)
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt or milk

For the Apple Filling

  • 4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free option)
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour (to thicken the filling)
  • A pinch of salt

For Brushing (Optional)

  • 1 tbsp warm honey or apricot jam for a glossy finish

🍯 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized chunks.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or warm olive oil).
  3. Add the apples, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Stir gently.
  4. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until the apples soften slightly and release their juices.
  5. Stir in the cornstarch or flour and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns glossy.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, semolina, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and zest.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the olive oil, sugar, and honey until smooth and slightly pale.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the vanilla and Greek yogurt (or milk).
  6. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined — do not overmix. The batter will be thick and aromatic.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Spoon the warm apple filling over the batter, spreading evenly.
  3. Pour the remaining batter over the apples — you can leave some apple pieces peeking through for a rustic look.
  4. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little apple moisture is okay).
  2. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil after 30 minutes.
  3. Allow the cake to cool for 15–20 minutes before removing from the pan.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  1. Warm 1 tablespoon of honey or apricot jam and brush it over the top for a glossy Mediterranean sheen.
  2. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

🌸 Serving Suggestions

  • With Greek yogurt or mascarpone, drizzled with extra honey.
  • With a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or almonds for crunch.
  • With a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look.
  • Paired with mint tea or espresso for a true Mediterranean experience.

🍋 Storage Tips

  • Keeps at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered.
  • Refrigerate up to 5 days. Warm slices slightly before serving.
  • Can be frozen (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months.