Limonetta Bella Cake Recipe
Tart lemon filling, an Alba island tradition
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Ingredients
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Cake Base
Lemon Filling
Topping
Method
Cake Base Preparation
- 1
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- 2
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 3
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 4
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- 5
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- 6
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Lemon Filling Preparation
- 7
Prepare the Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch.
- 8
Cook the Mixture
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 7-10 minutes.
- 9
Finish the Filling
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest until melted and combined. Let it cool to room temperature.
Topping Preparation
- 10
Whip the Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- 11
Combine with Sugar and Zest
Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the lemon zest.
Assembly
- 12
Layer the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
- 13
Add Lemon Filling
Spread a generous amount of the lemon filling on the bottom layer of the cake, then place the top layer back on.
- 14
Top with Whipped Cream
Spread the whipped cream topping over the entire cake. Optionally, garnish with additional lemon zest.
- 15
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.