Description
A traditional Italian semolina cake with a soft, dense texture, delicately flavored with lemon and almonds, reminiscent of a baked cheesecake.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 litre / 1 quart whole milk
- 130 gr / 4.5 ounces of fine semolina
- 130 gr / 4.5 ounces sugar
- 100 gr / 3.5 ounces of almonds
- 20 gr / 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter
- 4 small eggs (or 3 large ones)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the almond meal by removing the dark brown skins of the almonds first. Blanch the almonds quickly in boiling water, then peel them. If you already have peeled almonds, place them into a food processor and grind until fine.
- In a saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Gradually add the semolina, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a creamy porridge consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the butter, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until pale and creamy. Add the lemon zest and almond meal, mixing well to combine.
- Slowly incorporate the semolina mixture into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth batter.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 24 cm (9.5 inch) round cake pan with butter and dust with flour.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more intense almond flavor, you can toast the almonds before grinding them. This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 110