Mascarpone and lemon zest cake: a delicately rich dessert

This mascarpone and lemon zest cake offers a delicious twist on traditional sponge cakes, incorporating the creamy richness of mascarpone and the bright, aromatic flavor of lemon zest. The use of olive oil adds a subtle fruity depth to the cake, enhancing its moistness and flavor profile. Simple to make yet incredibly delicious, this cake is perfect for any occasion where you want a sophisticated yet satisfying dessert.

Why you'll love this:

• Creamy texture: Mascarpone adds a luxurious creaminess to the cake, making it exceptionally moist and tender.
• Lemon Freshness: Lemon zest provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mascarpone, brightening the overall flavor.
• Richness of olive oil: Olive oil not only contributes to the moist texture, but also introduces a sweet, savory note that complements the sweetness.
• Easy to do: With simple ingredients and simple steps, this cake is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Perfect opportunity:

• Afternoon tea: Serve this cake as a sophisticated treat at a leisurely tea party.
• Festive events: Whether it's a birthday, anniversary or festive gathering, this cake makes a charming centerpiece.
• Casual dessert: Ideal for a family dessert that is not too sweet but still delicious.
• Potluck dinners: Impress your guests at a potluck with this easy-to-make yet elegant cake.

Decorating tips:

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar: A light dusting of icing sugar on top can enhance the appearance of the cake, adding a touch of elegance.
• Fresh berries: replaces the word nice with emptyp with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon slice garnish: Garnish with thin lemon slices or candied lemon peel to enhance the lemon flavor.
• Whipped cream: Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for an even more indulgent treat.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 250 g mascarpone
• 200 g sugar
• 100 g extra virgin olive oil
• 3 eggs
• 220 g flour
• 10 g baking powder
• Zest of a lemon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Cream cheese and sugar:
   • In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the wet ingredients:
   • Stir in olive oil and eggs until well combined.

3. Add the dry ingredients:
   • Stir in the lemon zest. Sift in the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt, mixing until well combined.
4. Cook:
   • Pour the batter into a cake tin lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
5. Let cool and serve:
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Appreciate This mascarpone and lemon zest cake, a beautifully simple cake that will delight everyone with its moist texture and nuanced flavors!