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

More Eating & Drinking in Milan During the 2026 Winter Olympics

Back on the ground in Milan, Appetito contributor Rob LeDonne continues his first-person look at where to eat and drink during the Olympic Games 2026.

February 20, 2026

Olympic-Inspired Ossobuco alla Milanese by Chef Matthew Cutolo

Chef Matthew Cutolo’s ossobuco celebrates Northern Italy as the Olympics shine a light on Milano and its classic cuisine.

February 20, 2026

Francesco Martucci Brings Pizza Tasting to Miami

From Caserta to South Florida, Martucci shares why Miami was the right place for his next chapter.

February 19, 2026

Lent-Friendly Citrus Salmon with Burst Tomatoes

This one pan citrus roasted salmon with burst tomatoes and peppers is a bright, effortless dinner that carries you from Lent straight into spring.

February 19, 2026

Roman Rice Stuffed Tomatoes: A Roman Comfort Dish

A Roman summer classic made with arborio rice, Pecorino Romano and ripe tomatoes, this comforting dish brings the flavors of Rome straight to your table.

February 18, 2026

Puerto Rico’s Fairmont El San Juan Hotel Offers Lively, Abundant Getaway 

A first-hand look at Puerto Rico’s iconic Fairmont El San Juan, where history, beachside beauty and nonstop energy create a vibrant Caribbean escape.

February 18, 2026
See all posts