Apple Delights from the Heart of Val Brembana
In the valleys of Val Brembana, apples are not just fruit—they are part of the region’s soul. Apples are grown by dedicated farmers who formed the Valle Brembana Fruit Growers Association in 2007. Each autumn, varieties like Golden, Gala, Red Delicious, Renetta, and Topaz thrive in the mountain air, bringing locals and visitors alike a crisp taste of Italian tradition.
For those who visit, there’s a treat you can’t miss: The Brembana Valley Apple Cake or Torta di mele della Valle Brembana . Simple, yet rich in flavor, it is a recipe that highlights the best of these local apples.
To make it, start by blending butter and sugar until they become creamy and warm, then mix in eggs, sifted flour, and baking powder. For a warm autumnal twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and of course a baked apple, which has been lightly caramelized with cane sugar for just ten minutes, infusing the batter with natural sweetness.
Pour this mixture into a cake pan, topping it with thin slices of apple. A final dusting of sugar creates a golden, slightly crisp topping as the cake bakes for 40 minutes at 180°C. The result? A moist, aromatic cake with tender apples, where each bite captures the flavors of the valley.
Val Brembana’s pastoral charm and culinary history is personified through this delicacy.
Italian