Mama's Little Vella Recipe
Make Mama's Little Vella Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Base
Filling
Topping
Method
Base Preparation
- 1
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
- 2
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 3
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 4
Prepare Baking Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Filling Preparation
- 5
Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Assemble and Bake
- 6
Layer the Base and Filling
Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Then, dollop the cream cheese filling over the batter, and spread it evenly. Finally, top with the remaining batter.
- 7
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 8
Cool and Slice
Allow to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
Topping Preparation
- 9
Prepare Strawberries
While the cake is cooling, slice the fresh strawberries and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.
- 10
Garnish
Serve each slice of Mama's Little Vella with a spoonful of the strawberries on top and garnish with fresh mint leaves.