Recipe: Schiacciata Fiorentina (Tuscan Orange Cake)

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition.
4. Add the vegetable oil, orange juice, and zest, and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions

This Schiacciata Fiorentina is a delicious and classic Tuscan cake. It has a wonderful balance of sweetness and citrus flavor, and the texture is light and fluffy. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a wonderful afternoon treat. The cake can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.