Schiacciata Fiorentina Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 225g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 300g |
| Whole milk | 90g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| Eggs | 165g (approximately 3-4 medium eggs) |
| Orange (for zest and juice) | 1 |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | To taste |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 290 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Orange
Begin by zesting the peel of the orange into a small bowl, ensuring you only grate the outermost layer to avoid bitterness. After zesting, cut the orange in half, squeeze the juice, and strain it to remove seeds and pulp. Set aside both the zest and juice for later. -
-
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to beat them together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color. This process should take about 3-4 minutes at medium speed. Once the egg and sugar mixture has become fluffy, incorporate the grated orange zest into the bowl, blending it in gently. -
Add the Liquids
Slowly add the olive oil to the egg and sugar mixture, a little at a time, mixing continuously to allow the oil to fully incorporate. After the oil is absorbed, gradually pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice, followed by the milk. Again, pour slowly and stir to ensure each addition is properly absorbed before adding the next. -
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour into the bowl to avoid any lumps. Add the flour one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently to combine. This method ensures the mixture remains smooth and free of clumps. Once all the flour is added, sift in the baking powder and mix until fully incorporated. -
Flavoring with Vanilla
Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise, scraping out the seeds with the tip of a knife. Add the vanilla seeds to the batter and stir to distribute evenly. If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract as a substitute. -
Bake the Schiacciata Fiorentina
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) in static mode (avoid using the fan-assisted setting for this recipe). Grease and flour a round cake pan (approximately 24 cm in diameter) or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. -
Cool and Decorate
Once the schiacciata is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When the cake has cooled, use a stencil or cut-out design to add a decorative touch on top. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the stencil design, and then carefully lift the stencil off, leaving behind a beautifully decorated cake. -
Finish with Cocoa Powder
To add a final decorative flourish, dust the cake with unsweetened cocoa powder. This not only adds visual appeal but enhances the rich, citrus flavor of the schiacciata. -
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the Schiacciata Fiorentina into generous portions and serve it as a delightful dessert for your next family gathering, party, or festive occasion. The cake pairs wonderfully with a light coffee or a glass of dessert wine, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus aroma.
Tips for Perfecting Your Schiacciata Fiorentina:
- Oven Tip: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside to prevent uneven baking.
- Flour Tip: Sifting the flour helps incorporate air, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
- Orange Variations: If you prefer a stronger citrus flavor, feel free to add a little extra zest to the batter or use a combination of orange and lemon zest for a tangy twist.
This traditional Italian dessert is a perfect addition to your sweet repertoire. Enjoy the light, fluffy texture and the refreshing citrus notes in every bite!
