🍊 12 Spoons Orange Cake – The Italian Citrus Cloud Cake 🍰
A timeless Italian classic, this cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with real orange flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients measured in tablespoons — “cucchiai” in Italian — this recipe was born in humble home kitchens where measuring cups weren’t always available, but love and tradition were.
This cake isn’t just easy — it melts in your mouth. The fresh orange juice and zest bring brightness, the oil keeps it moist, and the simple ingredients make it feel like it came from your nonna’s oven. Whether served for breakfast with a cappuccino, or for dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar, this is a cake you’ll fall in love with bite after bite.
🍊 Ingredients (1 cup = 250 ml)
Everything is measured in tablespoons — 12 of love in every step.
- 3 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 12 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 12 tablespoons of neutral oil (sunflower or vegetable oil works best)
- 12 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice (approx. juice of 2–3 oranges)
- Zest of 1 fresh orange (organic if possible)
- 12 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
🥄 Formation & Method
This cake is formed from simple, heartfelt steps, using a one-bowl method — quick, mess-free, and deliciously efficient.
🔹 Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 20–22 cm (8–9 inch) round cake pan or line it with baking paper. - Whip the Eggs:
In a large bowl, crack in the 3 eggs. Add a pinch of salt and 12 tablespoons of sugar.
Beat with an electric mixer on high speed for 5–6 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and fluffy. - Add the Liquids:
Pour in the 12 tablespoons of oil and 12 tablespoons of orange juice, followed by the orange zest. Mix gently on low speed until combined. - Sift & Fold:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Sift into the wet mixture gradually, folding gently with a spatula or mixing on low until just combined. Do not overmix — keep the batter airy! - Bake with Love:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top and tap the pan lightly to remove any air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool & Finish:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a light orange glaze (orange juice + icing sugar).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or mascarpone.
- Add thinly sliced oranges or candied peel on top for a fancy touch.
- Enjoy with espresso for an authentic Italian experience.
🧡 A Bit of History
This cake style is often referred to in Italy as “la torta dei cucchiai” (the spoon cake) — a rustic, traditional recipe that became popular because it didn’t require precise tools. In the countryside, cooks would simply use a spoon to measure everything, which is why so many versions call for “12 spoons of each.” It’s a symbol of simple living and shared joy.
💬 Conclusion & Lovers’ Notes
This cake is proof that beauty lies in simplicity. No fancy ingredients, no elaborate steps — just real, honest flavor. It’s light, moist, and infused with sunshine.
👩❤️👨 Lovers have baked this cake to impress their sweethearts, packed it in picnic baskets, or shared it on sleepy Sunday mornings. It’s the kind of cake that brings people together — no frosting needed, just love.
💞 Lovers’ Methods & Variations
Want to share this with someone special? Try these romantic twists:
- 💘 Add a tablespoon of orange liqueur for an adult version.
- 💘 Layer it with orange marmalade and mascarpone cream for a dreamy layer cake.
- 💘 Bake in heart-shaped molds for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries.
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🔹️Thank you!🔹️🥰😍