🇮🇹 The Most Loved Cake in Italy – You’ll Make It Every Week! 🍋
If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a cake that fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of lemon and butter — this Italian classic is the one! Known for its tender crumb, delicate lemon scent, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this is the cake that Italians make again and again. It’s simple, rustic, and unbelievably delicious. Whether you serve it with coffee in the morning, as a sweet afternoon treat, or as a light dessert after dinner, this cake never disappoints.
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Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 125 g (½ cup) sugar
- 310 g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- 140 g (5 oz) butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
For the Filling (optional but traditional):
- 250 g (1 cup) ricotta cheese or lemon pastry cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
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Instructions
- Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Beat until creamy and pale. Add the egg and lemon zest, mixing until everything comes together into a smooth, fragrant mixture. - Add dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Use your hands to form a soft dough — it should be smooth, not sticky. - Chill the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle. - Shape the cake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan (about 24 cm / 9 inches). Divide the dough into two parts — one slightly larger than the other.
Roll out the larger portion and place it in the pan, pressing gently to form the base and sides. - Add the filling:
Spread the ricotta or pastry cream filling evenly over the base. Then roll out the remaining dough and place it on top, sealing the edges gently. - Bake to perfection:
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch. Let it cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
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Tips for the Perfect Italian Cake
- Use fresh lemon zest — it’s the key to that authentic Italian aroma.
- For a more decadent version, add a spoonful of lemon curd or a layer of fruit jam inside.
- This cake keeps beautifully for 3–4 days in an airtight container — in fact, it tastes even better the next day!
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Why Italians Love This Cake
This cake represents everything Italian baking stands for: simplicity, warmth, and family tradition. It’s often called Crostata di Limone or Torta della Nonna depending on the filling, and it’s one of those recipes passed down from grandmother to granddaughter. Every bite tastes like home — buttery, fragrant, and slightly crumbly with a hint of lemon sunshine.
So next time you crave something sweet but not too heavy, try this Italian treasure. You’ll see why people in Italy bake it every single week!
✨ Save this recipe, share it, and bake it with love — because one slice of this Italian lemon cake will win everyone’s heart! 🇮🇹💛