12-Spoon Italian Cake

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### 👩‍🍳 Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan (or line it with parchment paper).

#### 2. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:**
– In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy.
– Add the sugar and mix well until slightly thickened.
– Stir in the milk, oil, and vanilla extract (if using).

#### 3. **Add the Dry Ingredients:**
– Gradually add the flour, baking powder, salt, and citrus zest (if using) to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
– If adding fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.

#### 4. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
– Bake for **30–35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

#### 5. **Cool and Serve:**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
– Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

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### 🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cake

#### ✅ **Ridiculously Easy to Make**
No need for measuring cups or scales — just grab a tablespoon and you’re ready to go. It’s the perfect beginner-friendly cake.

#### ✅ **Versatile and Customizable**
Add fresh or dried fruits, nuts, or even a chocolate swirl to personalize the flavor. It’s a blank canvas for your favorite ingredients.

#### ✅ **Soft, Moist, and Delicious**
The texture is light and tender, and the flavor is comforting and subtly sweet. Perfect with coffee, tea, or a scoop of gelato.

#### ✅ **One-Bowl Wonder**
Fewer dishes to wash and less time in the kitchen means more time to enjoy your creation.

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### 🍋 Variations to Try

– **Lemon or Orange Cake:** Add extra zest and a splash of citrus juice to the batter.
– **Chocolate Marble Cake:** Divide the batter, stir cocoa powder into one half, and swirl it in before baking.
– **Berry Cake:** Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries.
– **Nutty Delight:** Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for extra crunch.

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### ☕ Serving Suggestions

– **With coffee or espresso:** This cake is a popular *merenda* (afternoon snack) in Italy, often served with a hot drink.
– **As a breakfast cake:** A slice of 12-Spoon Cake is a sweet way to start the day.
– **Dressed up for dessert:** Add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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### 💡 Tips for Success

– **Use room temperature ingredients** for better mixing and consistency.
– **Avoid overmixing** the batter — stir just until smooth to keep the texture light.
– **Keep it covered** once baked to maintain moisture. It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

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### 🇮🇹 A Taste of Italian Simplicity

The **12-Spoon Italian Cake** proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients or elaborate techniques to create something truly special. It’s a celebration of simple baking — humble, homey, and full of heart. Whether you’re baking for your family or just for yourself, this cake is a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug from a nonna’s kitchen.

So grab your spoon and whip up a little slice of Italian tradition. Buon appetito! 🍰🇮🇹