There are some recipes that, inexplicably, never appear in cookbooks, but are simply born within the walls of one's home and are passed down from mother to daughter. With this cake something along these lines seems to have happened: its fame has spread widely thanks to the Internet, and today has finally arrived at our doorstep. So we decided to make it and let you all try some. It's a soft and light sponge cake, with a delicate pastry cream inside.
* approximate values per serving
Begin by making the pastry cream: put the milk on the stove to heat, beat the egg yolks with the sugar, then add the sifted flour. Remove the milk from the heat, stir in the egg mixture, return the pan to the heat and stir until you get the desired density. Finally, the flavour the pastry cream with a tablespoon of limoncello. Cover the pastry cream with cling film, then turn to making the cake mixture. Beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes foamy. Add the sifted flours, lemon zest and baking powder. If necessary, add a tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Pour the mixture into a buttered and floured loose-bottomed cake tin. Take the custard and add a spoonful at a time to the cake mixture. Bake the cake in a pre-heated oven at 170°C for 45 minutes. Serve with powdered sugar.
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Eggs, pastry cream, baking powder
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Beat the eggs with the sugar
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Beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and frothy
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Add the sifted flours
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Add the baking powder and the lemon zest
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Pour the cake mixture in a buttered and floured cake tin
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Add the pastry cream spoonful by spoonful
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Serve the 'nua' cake with icing sugar
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One of the most delicious variations of the naked cake is the one that includes a pastry cream enriched with limoncello. This preparation not only enhances the flavor of the cake but also gives it an unexpected freshness. To make it, you will need to follow the basic recipe, but during the preparation of the cream, add a tablespoon of limoncello to give an aromatic touch. The naked cake with limoncello pastry cream is perfect for those who love desserts with an intense and citrusy flavor. Great to serve on special occasions or for a delicious snack, this variation will surprise your guests with its balance of sweetness and freshness, making every slice a true pleasure for the palate.
The naked cake is a typical dessert from Piedmont, and its traditional preparation is characterized by the use of fresh and genuine ingredients. This Piedmontese variation highlights the grated lemon zest, which gives an unmistakable aroma and a unique flavor. The preparation is simple: after making the pastry cream, proceed with the cake batter, incorporating the lemon zest to further enhance the flavors. This dessert is perfect to accompany an afternoon tea or as a dessert after a meal. The Piedmontese naked cake is a way to bring a piece of tradition to the table, allowing diners to experience an authentic taste of Piedmont.
For those looking for a lighter version of the naked cake, the butter-free recipe is an excellent alternative. In this preparation, butter is replaced with Greek yogurt or a vegetable oil, while still maintaining the softness and flavor of the original dessert. By using ingredients like whole wheat flour and reducing the amount of sugar, it is possible to obtain a less caloric and healthier cake. The light naked cake is perfect for those who want to indulge in a dessert without guilt. Even though the light version may seem less rich, the final result will still be surprising, with a fluffy texture and a delicious taste. This variation is ideal for those following a balanced diet but do not want to give up the pleasure of a good dessert.
The naked cake is a dessert that, although rich in flavor, can be prepared with relatively simple and healthy ingredients. Flour, eggs, and milk provide a good dose of protein and carbohydrates, while the lemon zest offers a supply of vitamin C, useful for the immune system. The pastry cream, if made with fresh ingredients, can represent an excellent source of calcium thanks to the milk. On average, a serving of naked cake contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the proportion of sugar. This makes it a dessert to be consumed in moderation, but there is no need to give up the pleasure of a good dessert, especially if prepared with attention to the ingredients.
One of the most frequently asked questions about naked cake is whether it can be frozen. The answer is yes, the naked cake can be frozen, but it is important to pay attention to how it is stored. After preparing it, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. This way, you will avoid the formation of frost and the risk of absorbing unpleasant odors from the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Remember that, if frozen, the naked cake can maintain its quality for about 2-3 months, but it is always better to consume it fresh to fully appreciate its flavor and texture.