Introduction

Amalfi lemon polenta cake is a delightful and moist dessert that captures the essence of Italian coastal flavors. With its bright lemon notes and a unique texture from the polenta, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon tea or a festive gathering. The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its lemons, and this recipe beautifully highlights their zesty freshness, making it a must-try for any citrus lover.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 100g unsalted butter, softened
– 250g sugar
– 3 large eggs
– Zest of 2 Amalfi lemons
– 200g fine polenta
– 100g ground almonds
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 200ml milk
– Juice of 1 Amalfi lemon
– Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Prep Time

Preparation time for this cake is approximately 20 minutes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cake requires about 45 minutes to bake. In total, from preparation to serving, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 5 minutes. This recipe yields about 8 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy the delightful flavors of the Amalfi Coast right in your own kitchen!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin by greasing it and lining the base with parchment paper.

Prepare the Polenta

In a large saucepan, bring 1 litre of water to a boil. Slowly add the polenta while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Mix Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the lemon zest and juice, mixing well.

Combine Mixtures

Once the polenta is cooled, add it to the egg mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.

Add Baking Powder

Gently fold in the baking powder, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Transfer to Cake Tin

Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Enjoy

Dust the cooled cake with icing sugar and serve it as a delightful treat.

Notes

Storage

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Sugar Substitute

You can use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative if you prefer a lower-sugar option.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own but also pairs wonderfully with cream, yogurt, or fresh fruits.

Cook techniques

Polenta preparation

Ensure you bring water or stock to a gentle simmer before gradually whisking in the polenta. This helps to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.

Making the batter

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This adds air to the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.

Incorporating eggs

Add eggs one at a time while mixing. This allows each egg to emulsify properly into the batter, creating a stable structure.

Adding zest

Incorporate the lemon zest thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the cake. Zest enhances the citrusy aroma.

Testing for doneness

Use a toothpick to test the center of the cake for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready; if it has batter on it, it needs more time.

Cooling and serving

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for a short while before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart.

FAQ

Can I substitute polenta with another ingredient?

Yes, you can try using cornmeal as a substitute, but be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

How should I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Can I add other flavors to the cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment by adding vanilla extract or other citrus zest for a different flavor profile.

Is this cake gluten-free?

Yes, polenta is naturally gluten-free, making this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I add more moisture to the cake?

Consider adding Greek yogurt or an extra egg to the batter to enhance moisture and tenderness.

Conclusion

The Amalfi Lemon Polenta Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a moist and zesty dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The use of polenta adds a unique twist, making this cake gluten-free while enhancing its rich taste. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to impress their guests with something special and refreshingly different.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Almond Lemon Cake

Consider making an almond lemon cake for a nutty twist. The addition of ground almonds gives it a rich texture while complementing the citrus flavor beautifully.

Citrus Olive Oil Cake

Experiment with an olive oil cake infused with different citrus fruits. This cake is moist and flavorful, delivering a unique depth that pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit toppings.

Lemon Drizzle Muffins

For a quick and easy option, try lemon drizzle muffins. They are perfect for breakfast or a snack and can be made with similar ingredients to the polenta cake.

Berry Compote

Serve your Amalfi Lemon Polenta Cake with a side of berry compote. The sweet-tart flavors of the berries create a lovely contrast and add an extra layer of freshness.

Coconut Cake

Opt for a coconut cake for a tropical variation. The combination of coconut and lemon brings a refreshing and exotic flavor profile that delights the palate.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy sweetness of the ice cream complements the tartness of the lemon, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.

Lemon Sorbet

For a lighter option, serve a lemon sorbet alongside your polenta cake. Its bright and refreshing flavor enhances the dessert while cleansing the palate after each bite.