Imagine a slice of pure summer magic that captures the essence of sun-drenched Italian orchards in every single bite! This Italian Summer Country Cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple, fresh ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will make your friends and family swoon with delight. With its rustic charm and bursting fruity flavors, this cake is the perfect companion for lazy afternoon gatherings, picnics, or when you simply want to treat yourself to a slice of seasonal happiness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh summer fruits (peaches, berries, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder in a separate bowl to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Wash and prepare the fresh summer fruits. If using larger fruits like peaches, slice them into thin, uniform pieces.
- Gently fold the prepared fruits into the cake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Choose peak-season fruits: The success of this cake depends on using ripe, fresh summer fruits. Mix berries and peaches for a vibrant flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Check doneness carefully: Use the toothpick test, but remove the cake when just a few moist crumbs stick to it to prevent drying out.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to maintain its delicate structure.
- For extra elegance, serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
