Italy’s Favorite Lemon Cake: A Delicious Treat You’ll Want to Make Every Week

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest and mix until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing just until combined.
Add the softened butter and mix until the batter is smooth and creamy. The dough will be thick, more like a cookie dough than a typical cake batter.
Assemble the Cake:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Press one half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly with your fingers or a spatula.
Pour the cooled cream filling over the dough layer, spreading it evenly to the edges.
On a floured surface, roll out the remaining dough into a circle the size of your cake pan. Carefully place it over the cream filling, pressing the edges to seal.
Bake:
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the dough (not the cream) comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Serve slices with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful Italian-inspired treat.
Cooking Tips:
Lemon Zest: Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor. Be sure to avoid the bitter white pith when zesting the lemon.
Mascarpone Substitution: If you don’t have mascarpone, Philadelphia cream cheese is a great alternative, providing a similar creamy texture and slight tanginess.
Dough Consistency: The dough should be thick and pliable, but not sticky. If it’s too sticky to handle, you can refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up before rolling.
Nutritional Benefits:
This Lemon Cake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a dessert that brings some nutritional benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune function and skin health. While the cake does contain sugar and butter, these can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The mascarpone or Philadelphia cheese adds calcium and protein, making this dessert slightly more nourishing than your average cake.

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