In the realm of baking, simplicity often reigns supreme, and few things embody this principle better than the classic Italian cake. With just a handful of ingredients and a touch of culinary finesse, one can create a dessert that is both elegant and utterly satisfying. Today, we embark on a journey to craft the perfect Italian cake, using nothing more than 12 tablespoons of ingredients and a sprinkle of love.
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 the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring that it is well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done by hand or with an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps.
- Alternate Additions:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, 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.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance. Alternatively, decorate with fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
- Slice the Italian cake into wedges and serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Conclusion:
With just 12 tablespoons of ingredients and a dash of creativity, we’ve created a simple yet delightful Italian cake that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed up with powdered sugar and fresh berries, this cake is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. So go ahead, indulge in a slice of this Italian masterpiece and savor the flavors of la dolce vita!
