Skip to Content
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.

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

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Olio e Più Opens New East Village Location

A longtime Greenwich Village favorite is bringing its Italian charm to the East Village.

The Shift of Fine Dining on Lake Garda: Two Takes from Two Shores

What happens when fine dining stops trying so hard? Two Lake Garda chefs offer a glimpse into the future of luxury hospitality.

June 10, 2026

Regional Italian: Back to Sicily with Victoria Granof

Behind a simple cookie made with wine and wild fennel lies a story of migration, memory, and one woman's lifelong search for Sicily.

June 10, 2026

Biscotti al Vino by Victoria Granof

This classic Sicilian cookie transforms a handful of pantry staples into a lightly sweet biscuit traditionally enjoyed with a glass of red wine.

June 9, 2026

Elia Pellegrini on the Future of Aia Vecchia in Tuscany

A fourth-generation family member reflects on soccer, succession, and the first new wine releases from Aia Vecchia in more than 20 years.

June 9, 2026

Pici, Passion, and the Power of Reinvention in Florence

A spontaneous lunch invitation in Florence led to handmade pici, new friendships, and a reminder that life's biggest transformations often begin around the table.

June 9, 2026
See all posts