Transport yourself to the charming streets of Italy with this delightful Simple Italian Cake recipe! Bursting with buttery goodness and subtle sweetness, this cake is a testament to the elegance of Italian baking. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of something comforting, this recipe is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar if desired and garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
- Slice and serve this Simple Italian Cake and savor every buttery, moist bite!
Cook’s Notes:
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
- Feel free to customize this cake by adding lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist, or a splash of rum or almond extract for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have whole milk on hand, you can use any milk you prefer, such as skim milk or almond milk.
Variations:
- Add a layer of pastry cream or whipped cream between cake layers for an extra indulgent treat.
- Turn this cake into a decadent dessert by layering it with Nutella or your favorite fruit preserves.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? While you can use salted butter, it may affect the overall saltiness of the cake. Adjust the amount of salt accordingly or omit it altogether if using salted butter.
- Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cake for longer storage and thaw it before serving.
- How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan? Ensure that the cake pan is properly greased and floured, or lined with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
- Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour? While you can experiment with alternative flours, keep in mind that they may produce slightly different results in terms of texture and flavor. Adjust the recipe accordingly and be prepared for some variation in the final outcome.
In conclusion, this Simple Italian Cake with 12 Tablespoons of Delight is a testament to the timeless elegance of Italian baking. With its buttery richness and subtle sweetness, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with powdered sugar and fresh berries, each slice is a taste of pure indulgence. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to experience a slice of Italy in your own kitchen!
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the decadent delight of this Simple Italian Cake and savor every moment of its buttery goodness. Buon appetito!
That concludes our journey through this delectable Italian treat. Happy baking and enjoy the delicious results!
