Oh yes 😍—Italian Polenta Cake is a rustic, tender, slightly sweet cake with a delicate crumb and subtle cornmeal texture. Often lightly citrus-flavored or studded with almonds, it’s perfect with coffee or as a light dessert. Here’s a classic recipe:
🌿 Italian Polenta Cake
Ingredients
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1 cup fine cornmeal (polenta)
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup sugar
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3 large eggs
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Zest of 1 lemon (or orange, optional)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup milk (or almond milk)
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Optional: ½ cup toasted almonds or pistachios
For topping (optional):
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Lemon glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prepare oven & pan
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients
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In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
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If using nuts, fold them in.
3. Cream butter & sugar
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In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
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Stir in lemon zest and vanilla.
4. Combine wet & dry
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Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry. Mix gently until smooth.
5. Bake
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Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
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Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve
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Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light lemon glaze.
Tips for Perfect Polenta Cake
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Use fine cornmeal for a tender texture—coarse polenta makes the cake gritty.
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Don’t overmix once combining wet and dry—keeps the cake light.
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Flavor variations: orange zest, a splash of Limoncello, or a handful of dried fruit.
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Storage: Keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
This cake is moist, slightly crumbly, lightly sweet, and subtly nutty, with that signature polenta texture that makes it uniquely Italian.
If you want, I can also give a gluten-free version using almond flour and polenta that’s just as tender and flavorful