Simona Cake

Simona Cake - A refined delight to enjoy on every occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

I present to you a cake recipe that will surely become the star of any festive meal or gathering with friends. The Simona Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert, with a fluffy and aromatic base, perfect to be enjoyed alongside tea or coffee. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients for the base:

- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 250 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for decoration:

- 200 g whipped cream
- 100 g powdered sugar (optional, to sweeten the cream)
- Lemon zest for decoration
- Fresh fruits (optional, for a vibrant look)

Step by step - Preparing the base:

1. Preparing the butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter (at room temperature) with the sugar. Mix for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and creamy white. This step is essential for achieving an airy base.

2. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is important that the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture.

3. Flavoring: Add the lemon zest. The fresh lemon aroma will give the cake a special taste, adding a note of freshness.

4. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients will ensure a uniform texture of the base. Start incorporating them into the wet mixture gradually to avoid lumps.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens). Grease a round baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Preparing the decoration:

1. Whipping the cream: In a cold bowl, use a mixer to whip the cream. Add powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste, and continue to whip until you achieve stiff peaks.

2. Assembling the cake: Once the base is completely cooled, cut it horizontally into two or three layers, depending on your preference. Spread an even layer of whipped cream between each cake layer and cover the entire surface with whipped cream.

3. Decorating: Sprinkle lemon zest on top and, if desired, add fresh fruits for a touch of color and freshness.

Practical tips:

- You can also add a few drops of vanilla essence for an extra flavor.
- If you prefer a moister cake, you can soak the base with a syrup made from water and sugar flavored with lemon before adding the cream.
- A delicious variation would be to replace the lemon zest with orange or even almond essence.

The Simona Cake is a quick and easy dessert to prepare that will surely impress family and friends. Enjoy it with a fruit tea or cappuccino, and don’t forget to present it with pride!

 Ingredients: Base: 100g butter, 100g sugar, 2 eggs, 250g flour, 1 packet baking powder, zest of one lemon, 200ml milk, 50g candied fruits, 60ml lemon cream. White chocolate mousse with pistachio: 100g white chocolate, 100ml liquid cream, 3 tablespoons milk, crushed pistachio. Rolls: 50g butter, 40g powdered sugar, 50g egg white, 50g flour, vanilla essence. Milk chocolate mousse: 150g milk chocolate, 3 egg yolks, 1 egg white, 150g sugar, 200g liquid cream, vanilla essence, 10g gelatin.