Torta Margherita
A classic Italian sponge cake—soft, fluffy, and made with simple ingredients and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s the kind of cake that feels like home. Perfect for breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or dessert with a cup of coffee.
8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup corn starch (oppure amido di mais)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 medium eggs
- 7 Tablespoons butter (softened)
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 packet baking powder (about 2 ½ to 3 teaspoons)
- pinch salt
- powdered sugar (for decorating)
Instructions
- Preheat your one to 345°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Once all the eggs are blended in, pour in the milk and continue beating until everything is well combined. You should end up with a thick, airy batter that’s smooth and lump-free.
- Place a sieve over the bowl and sift the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder together. Mix at low speed until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
- When it's completely cool, dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.
Tips & Notes
- Beat the butter and sugar well; it’s what makes the cake fluffy.
- Let it cool completely before dusting with sugar (or it will melt!).
- Stays fresh 5-6 days at room temp—wrap it well or pop in an airtight container.
- Freezes great in slices for a quick treat anytime.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 servingCalories: 326kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 294mgPotassium: 64mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 412IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 131mgIron: 1mg