Immerse yourself in the essence of Italy with this Peach and Lemon Cake, a dessert so delightful and easy to make that it’s bound to become a weekly tradition in your home. Combining the sweet juiciness of peaches with the tangy freshness of lemon, this cake is a celebration of flavors and textures. Here’s how to bring this beloved Italian dessert to your kitchen.
Cake Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 100g sugar
- 8g vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 140g butter, softened
- 300g 00 flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 10g baking powder
Cream Ingredients:
- 400ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 8g vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons sour cream or mascarpone
- 30ml lemon juice
For Topping:
- 800g peaches in syrup, drained and sliced
- Egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks (optional, for meringue)
- Sliced almonds (optional, for decoration)
Preparation:
- Prepare the Cake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and lemon zest, mixing well.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, folding gently to incorporate into a smooth batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.
- Make the Cream:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream or mascarpone and lemon juice. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the cream over the cake base in the pan. Arrange the sliced peaches on top of the cream.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is set and the top is golden.
- Optional Meringue Topping:
- If using, spread the beaten egg whites over the cake 10 minutes before the end of baking time. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and return to the oven to finish baking.
- Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing and serving. The cake is delicious on its own or can be enhanced with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Conclusion:
This Italian Peach and Lemon Cake captures the spirit of Italy with its bright flavors and irresistible texture. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations, it’s a dessert that’s as pleasurable to make as it is to eat. Enjoy the process of baking this most-loved cake and the joy of sharing it with those around you. Buon appetito!