Italian Breakfast Cake
Breakfast in Italy is usually a cup of perfectly prepared cappuccino and pastry. This little gem is called a breakfast cake…it really isn’t like any other cake I’ve made.
This is a cake made with a dough instead of a batter. There’s no leavening in it, so it doesn’t rise. The dough is pressed into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan, brushed with an egg wash and baked.
It’s a very simple little cake…no bells and whistles…none are needed. It holds it’s ground as is, that was very evident with my first bite.
I cut this into wedges, picked it up with my hand and bit into a little cake that had a big shortbread cookie taste that was wonderful. A little crisp on the outside with a buttery shortbread consistency and taste that is addicting.
Perfect for a light breakfast, fabulous with a cup of coffee or at tea time with just the right amount of “sweet”. It would be the perfect ending to any meal.
You could definitely switch out the vanilla for almond extract or add lemon zest to make it your own. Maybe add mini chocolate chips if that’s your fancy….but make it ” as is” the first time and taste the bliss of simplicity.
Italian Breakfast Cake
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter 2 sticks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg for glaze, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter bottom of 9-inch-diameter springform pan. (Don't butter the sides of the pan)
- Blend flour, sugar and salt in a food processor for 5 seconds. Add butter pieces and process, using the pulse button until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add yolks and vanilla and blend until dough holds together. Press dough onto the bottom of the buttered (bottom only) springform pan. Brush with the beaten egg. Bake cake until golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Happy Valentine’s, Ladies! I love visiting as I get a little of everyting! I never know where to start though as everything always looks and sounds fantastic! I am though intrigued with the breakfast cake made with a dough.
~ingrid
I can’t imagine having cake for breakfast but it would be great with a cup of coffee later in the day. The pork sounds delicious and the cupcakes, mmmmmm I can’t wait to get some fresh strawberries in a couple of months to try them.
Ooh, I will eat Italian food with you anyday! I think my life would be better if I had pastry & cappuccino everyday for breakfast.
Mmmmm! Looks great! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Bunny, all three of these would be a terrific Valentine’s Day treat. It would be a day of showing love through food.
Hope you have a wonderful happy Valentine’s Day…
I could start my day off with the cake, eat the stew and follow it off with a cupcake. Yes that sounds perfect!
Happy Valentine’s ladies!
You have the whole day covered deliciously ladies.
All three of you are a temptress. Honestly! But isn’t it so good to be so wicked, especially on Valentine’s Day!
Bunny, I think I’m going to make your cake this morning, swapping out the vanilla for lemon and adding a bit if lemon zest. I was wondering what little treat I could do for breakfast and here it is! So easy and sounds terrific.
Carol, like you, I have been scared of anchovy paste. I can barely tolerate anchovies on a pizza, have heard Rachel Ray say the same thing. I don’t know her, but I do “know” you. If you say it adds a layer of flavor that’s delicious, then I believe YOU. So, I’m adding this recipe to my stash til I buy (and HIDE) the anchovy paste. If Ole Sweetie-Pi sees it, we’re done for, grins.
Cyndy, I’m on a bit of a cupcake kick, and I’ll tell you what, these sound DIVINE. Booking these beauties. Margarita’s are one of our favorite drinks, so talk about having your cake and eating it too. The addition of the strawberries is positively inspired. Loving this one.
Well done, dear ladies, as usual. Wishing you all the love that your hearts can hold, and then some more!
hmm. a massive cookie-like cake, a piggy dish redolent of cinnamon, and a dessert that doubles as an after-dinner drink. amazing. 🙂
Happy Valentines day!! This all looks gorgeous!
wow, delicious menu. What a wonderful selection, adore the breakfast cake and the cupcakes – Fab. Happy Valentine’s Day!
What lovely cupcakes… I just love the frosting with its gentle pink.. perfect for valentines!!!
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ohhh Bunny, everything looks so good I wouldn’t know where to start, but I think the cupcakes might be a good place to begin!! Delicious as always! xxoo
PS Cake for breakfast gets my vote everytime!!
Hi Bunny, It all looks wonderful – from breakfast to dinner and dessert! The cupcakes are to die for!!!
My earest Bunny really all look georgeous and amazing and delicious. love them, hugsssss gloria
Waw,…Bunny!!
Everything looks so tasty but I especially love the Margarita cupcakes!! What a great idea!!
I’ve been wanting to do a pork braise for a while, so I’m happy to see some inspiring ideas around the blogs. Looks great – even with the anchovies.
Those cupcakes are a great idea. You get your sugar and your cocktail (the vices) all in one shot!.
Oh my God it all looks so good! I would love to have a bowl of that pork stew right now. I am not big on pork but that looks absolutely delicious.
I love the way the three of you all contribute to a post… it’s so much fun to see what everybody is going to cook up! I’m thinking that the breakfast cake might go nicely with a glass of wine in the evening. I always use anchovies in my spaghetti sauce, I think it’s delish! The cupcakes are so pretty – perfect for Valentine’s Day!