The Most Loved Cake in Italy

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The Most Loved Cake in Italy

You’ll Want to Make It Every Week!
✨ Soft, buttery, and bursting with lemon flavor ✨

🧾 Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 large egg
  • Zest of 1 lemon (organic, unwaxed preferred)
  • 125 g (½ cup) sugar
  • 310 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
  • 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
  • 140 g (5 oz or ~10 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon salt (optional, enhances flavor)

Optional fillings after dough is made (choose one):

  • Jam (apricot, raspberry, or strawberry – about 200–250 g)
  • Pastry cream (vanilla custard)
  • Nutella or hazelnut spread
  • Ricotta and chocolate chips

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  • In a large bowl, beat the egg with the sugar and lemon zest until light and slightly frothy.
  • Add the softened butter and mix until smooth and creamy.
  • In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
  • Mix with a spoon or your hands until a soft, smooth dough forms. It should be pliable but not sticky.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Grease a tart pan or cake tin (around 9 inches / 23 cm diameter).

3. Assemble the Cake

  • After chilling, take about ¾ of the dough and press it evenly into the base and up the sides of the tart pan.
  • Spread your chosen filling evenly over the dough.
  • Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips to create a lattice (classic crostata look), or cover the top entirely with dough and score it for a rustic finish.

4. Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until golden on top and edges are slightly browned.
  • Let cool in the pan before slicing.

🍰 Description

This cake is like a tender, buttery cookie with a soft bite and subtle lemon aroma. It pairs beautifully with fruity jams or creamy fillings. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a cup of espresso, it’s the perfect anytime dessert.

🧁 Tips for Success

  • Don’t overwork the dough — keep it tender.
  • Chill the dough before baking for best texture.
  • If using jam, stir it first to make it easier to spread.
  • Add a little vanilla or almond extract to the dough for extra depth.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
  • Serve with tea or coffee.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone on the side for a special touch.

❄️ Storage

  • Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at room temperature.
  • Can be frozen (uncooked or cooked) for up to 2 months.

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