Italian Grandma’s Cake

INGREDENT

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional but traditional)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Optional filling/topping (choose one or combine):

  • Apricot or raspberry jam
  • Pastry cream
  • Fresh fruit (like thin apple slices or berries)
  • Chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth and pale.
  3. Add in milk and vanilla extract, whisk until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms. Don’t overmix.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan. If using jam or fruit, gently spoon it on top before baking.
  7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Would you like a version with a custard or jam filling layered inside, as some traditional versions do?

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