Mantovana Cake
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour (All-purpose flour) | 175g |
| Butter (softened) | 175g |
| Sugar | 175g |
| Egg yolks | 4 |
| Whole egg | 1 |
| Peeled almonds | 50g |
| Baking powder | 5g |
| Butter (for greasing) | As needed |
Instructions:
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Prepare the batter: Start by placing the softened butter (cut into pieces) and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3–4 minutes.
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Add the eggs: Crack the whole egg into the mixture and beat it in until fully incorporated. Follow this by adding the egg yolks, one at a time. Wait until each yolk is well blended before adding the next.
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Mix dry ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the butter and egg mixture, continuing to mix until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
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Prepare the pan: Line a 26 cm (10-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Grease the edges of the pan lightly with butter for extra insurance.
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Add the almonds: Chop the peeled almonds roughly with a knife, then scatter them evenly over the surface of the batter. This adds a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor to the cake.
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Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). If using a fan-assisted oven, reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F). Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or 20–25 minutes if using the fan setting. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake isn’t fully cooked, cover the top with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully set.
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Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. When fully cooled, carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
Enjoy this soft and flavorful Mantovana Cake with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of butter, eggs, and almonds creates a rich yet delicate flavor, making this cake an ideal dessert for any occasion.
This traditional Italian cake is simple yet decadent, making it a perfect treat for both beginners and seasoned bakers. With its tender crumb and subtle nutty texture from the almonds, the Mantovana Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
