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Simple Italian Cake with 12 Tablespoons of Delight
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!
