How to Make Migliaccio Cake: A Sweet Taste of Italy
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italy with Migliaccio Cake, a traditional Neapolitan dessert that's sure to enchant your taste buds. This luscious cake is made with simple ingredients like semolina flour, ricotta cheese, and citrus zest, resulting in a dessert that's both rich in flavor and wonderfully moist in texture. Whether served as a sweet ending to a meal or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, Migliaccio Cake is sure to become a cherished favorite. Let's dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible Italian treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fine semolina flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and dust it lightly with semolina flour or breadcrumbs to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Semolina Flour and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fine semolina flour and granulated sugar until well combined.
3. Heat the Milk and Ricotta Cheese:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the whole milk until it just begins to steam. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Add the ricotta cheese to the warm milk and stir until smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the lemon zest, orange zest, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
5. Mix the Batter:
- Gradually add the semolina flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth and well incorporated.
- Slowly pour in the warm milk and ricotta mixture, stirring constantly, until a smooth batter forms.
6. Bake the Migliaccio Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and set in the center.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the Migliaccio Cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with confectioners' sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
8. Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice the Migliaccio Cake into wedges and serve it at room temperature.
- Enjoy this delicious Italian dessert on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of gelato.
With its delightful combination of creamy ricotta cheese, fragrant citrus zest, and tender semolina flour, Migliaccio Cake is a true taste of Italy that's sure to delight your senses. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the sweet flavors of this beloved Italian dessert!