Skip to Content
Advertisement
Recipes

Aunt Phyllis’ Italian Citrus Cake

Our contributor continues her series on the "Era of Coffee and Cake" with a signature cake of her beloved Aunt Phyllis.

10:00 AM EST on December 13, 2023

Aunt Phyllis' Cake.

Aunt Phyllis’ Cake.

This second entry in my four-part series on the "Era of Coffee and Cake" is a recipe from my Aunt Phyllis, the woman who inspired my baking through her amazing work in kitchen. Her signature cake was this classic dessert that pops with zesty citrus. For the first recipe in the series, check out Pumpkin Mascarpone Cake.

Aunt Phyllis' Cake

Aunt Phyllis' Cake

Recipe by Chiara Montalto Giannini
5.0 from 2 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups 3 flour

  • 1-1/2 - 2 1-1/2 - 2 cups sugar (to taste)

  • 1 envelope 1 lievito paneangeli or 3 tsp baking powder

  • 1 Pinch 1 salt

  • 4 4 eggs, medium organic room temperature

  • 1 cup 1 whole milk

  • 1 cup 1 vegetable oil

  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons

  • Juice and zest of 2 oranges

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Grease and flour your pan or pans (can use bundt, layer, or sheet).
  • Mix dry ingredients together.
  • Add wet ingredients.
  • Mix well, until you have a smooth and consistent batter.
  • Add juice and zest.
  • Mix to incorporate.
  • Pour batter into pans.
  • Tap pans on counter to release any air bubbles.
  • Bake 35-40 minutes, till done.
  • Cool.
  • Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar or decorate as you like.

Notes

  • I have modified this from the original, as I prefer desserts less sweet. If you like sweeter, use the higher amount of sugar.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @appetitomagazine on Instagram and hashtag it with #italianfoodanddrink

Like this recipe?

Follow @Appetitomagazine on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Facebook

More Stories

The Uncomplicated Art of a Real Pomodoro

Tracing the roots of the “golden apple” through Abruzzo and the Italian coast to a South Philly cucina.

October 16, 2026

Italian Zucchini Crostini: A Recipe Souvenir From Rome

A memorable bite in Rome becomes an appetizer worth bringing home.

October 16, 2026

“Chef’s Table” Star Alessandra Spisni in the Hills of Bologna

In a farmhouse kitchen outside Bologna, Ruggero Pini films the pasta traditions that bring him back to his grandparents’ table.

October 15, 2026

Hotel Tenuta di Artimino: A Medici Estate Stay Near Florence

Enjoy Florence by day and return to the Tuscan countryside for dinner with a view.

October 15, 2026

Appetito’s EIC Visits Good Day New York on Columbus Day

Appetito's Andrew Cotto appeared on Good Day New York with key contributor Joanna Moeller to talk and prepare Italian food.

October 14, 2026