The Most Loved Cake in Italy

SAVE THIS!

So simple, so comforting — you’ll want it every week!

This classic Italian-style cake is loved for its tender crumb, buttery richness, and fresh lemon aroma. It’s the kind of everyday cake Italians enjoy with coffee, breakfast, or a quiet afternoon treat. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.

🍋 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 125 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 310 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
• 140 g (5 oz) butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon salt (optional, but recommended)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the base
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar until light and creamy.
2. Add flavor
   Mix in the egg and lemon zest until fully combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Form the dough
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Shape the cake
   Press the dough evenly into a buttered or parchment-lined 20–22 cm (8–9 inch) cake pan.
6. Bake
   Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 35–40 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool & serve
   Let cool slightly, then remove from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

✨ Description

This cake is delicately sweet, rich with butter, and gently perfumed with lemon. The texture is soft and slightly crumbly — perfect for slicing and enjoying at any time of day.

🌍 Origin & Cultural Significance

Simple cakes like this are staples in Italian homes, often passed down through generations. They reflect Italy’s love for everyday baking, where quality ingredients and balance matter more than complexity. This style of cake is commonly enjoyed with espresso or cappuccino.

🔄 Optional Additions

• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• A thin layer of apricot jam on top after baking
• Almond flakes sprinkled before baking
• A touch of milk if the dough feels too firm

💡 Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature butter for best texture
• Do not overbake — the cake should stay tender
• Fresh lemon zest makes a big difference

🧾 Nutritional Information (per slice, approx.)

• Calories: 260
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Protein: 4 g

🏁 Conclusion

This beloved Italian cake proves that simplicity is irresistible. Once you make it, it naturally becomes a weekly tradition — comforting, reliable, and endlessly delicious.