Get the recipe for Grandma’s Company Cake. Learn How to Make Grandma’s Company Cake with our detailed instructions and ingredient list.
Imagine walking into a warm, inviting kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cake. For many of us, the memory of our grandmother’s cooking is a cherished one, evoking feelings of comfort and love.
Grandma’s Company Cake is a traditional Italian dessert that has been passed down through generations. This simple yet delicious recipe is based on ricotta, making it a unique and tasty treat. The cake was traditionally prepared when unexpected guests arrived, hence the name « Company Cake. »
The beauty of this family tradition lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels. By following this traditional recipe, you can recreate a piece of your own family’s history or start a new tradition.
How to Make Grandma’s Company Cake
Key Takeaways
- Grandma’s Company Cake is a traditional Italian dessert with a rich history.
- The cake is made with ricotta, making it a unique and delicious treat.
- The recipe is simple and versatile, suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
- Recreating this cake can be a way to connect with your family’s past.
- This traditional dessert is perfect for unexpected guests or special occasions.
The Story Behind Grandma’s Company Cake
Living with Italian grandparents meant that friends and family would frequently drop by unannounced, particularly on warm summer evenings. This was when Grandma would quickly whip up her famous one-bowl cake, a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
What Makes This Cake Special
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of welcome and togetherness. At its core, it’s a basic yet delicious ricotta cake made from pantry staples. The moist crumb and light flavor make it a perfect treat that tastes magically warm from the oven. The simplicity of the recipe allows it to be a blank canvas, easily customized based on what’s on hand.
The Italian Tradition of « Company Cake »
The Italian tradition of hospitality is deeply rooted in the culture, and this cake represents that perfectly. In Italian families, it’s common to receive unexpected visitors, and having a simple yet satisfying dessert ready is a hallmark of warm hospitality. The table below highlights the key aspects of this tradition.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Hospitality | Italians take pride in welcoming guests with open arms and a warm dessert. |
| Simplicity | The cake’s simplicity is its strength, allowing it to be made quickly and customized as needed. |
| Family Tradition | This cake has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own touches. |
The Company Cake is a testament to the power of simple, traditional recipes in bringing people together. With its rich history and adaptability, it’s a dessert that will continue to be cherished by families for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The foundation of a delicious Company Cake lies in the quality of its ingredients. To make this traditional Italian dessert, you’ll need to gather a mix of dry and wet ingredients, with high-quality ricotta cheese being the star of the show.
For the Classic Ricotta Company Cake
The ingredients for Grandma’s Company Cake are straightforward, but the quality of each component is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Dry Ingredients
You’ll need 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (150g) of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. These dry ingredients provide structure and a hint of sweetness to the cake.
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients include 1 cup of whole milk ricotta, 3 eggs, ½ cup of good quality olive oil (or vegetable oil as an alternative), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using high-quality ricotta cheese is essential, as it contributes to the cake’s distinctive texture and flavor profile. The olive oil helps keep the cake moist and fresh for longer.
Equipment Required
To prepare Grandma’s Company Cake, you’ll need some basic baking equipment, including mixing bowls, measuring tools, and an appropriate baking pan. Having the right equipment ensures that you can accurately measure ingredients and mix the batter thoroughly. For those without specialized baking equipment, there are alternatives available to achieve similar results.
How to Make Grandma’s Company Cake
Making Grandma’s Company Cake is a multi-step process that involves careful preparation and attention to detail. The process of making Grandma’s Company Cake involves several key steps that are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients
Before you start mixing, it’s essential to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. You’ll also need to prepare your ingredients, including flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ricotta, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Make sure you have all these ingredients measured out and ready to go.
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these ingredients together beforehand ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Mixing the Batter
Create a well in the flour mixture and add the ricotta, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until they’re just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. The key is to avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Use a gentle folding motion to combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
- Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.
Baking Instructions
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and smooth the top. If you’re using a bundt pan, bake for 25-30 minutes. For a loaf pan, bake for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
To ensure your cake bakes evenly, preheat oven to the correct temperature and use the right pan. Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes, and adjust the baking time as needed.
Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and making the cake easier to remove from the pan.
When serving, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve it plain. The choice is yours, and it depends on your personal preference or the occasion.
Delicious Variations of Grandma’s Company Cake
The classic Company Cake recipe is a canvas waiting for your creative touch. You can easily modify it to create new and exciting flavor profiles that suit your taste or the occasion.
Citrus-Infused Company Cake
Adding a burst of citrus flavor can elevate the traditional Company Cake. Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a bright and refreshing twist. The citrus complements the rich ricotta base beautifully, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
Fruit-Topped Company Cake
Using seasonal stone fruits like plums, apricots, or figs can add both flavor and visual appeal to your Company Cake. Arrange the fruit slices on top of the batter before baking for a delicious and attractive finish. Be cautious with very juicy fruits like peaches or nectarines, as they might make the cake soggy.
Coffee Cake Variation
Transform Grandma’s Company Cake into a delightful coffee cake by adding a streusel topping. This version is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Simply mix together flour, sugar, and butter to create the streusel, and sprinkle it over the batter before baking.
Almond and Anise Flavored Version
Experimenting with extracts like almond or anise can dramatically change the character of your Company Cake. Start with a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) and adjust to taste. Pairing almond extract with slivered almonds on top adds a nice texture and flavor contrast.
| Variation | Key Ingredient | Baking Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Citrus-Infused | Lemon or Orange Zest | None |
| Fruit-Topped | Seasonal Stone Fruits | Monitor baking time |
| Coffee Cake | Streusel Topping | Increase baking time slightly |
| Almond and Anise | Almond or Anise Extract | None |
These variations showcase the flexibility of Grandma’s Company Cake recipe, allowing you to create new flavors while maintaining its essence. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
Tips for the Perfect Company Cake
With these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect Company Cake every time. One of the key factors in achieving a moist and delicious cake is understanding the role of ingredients and preparation techniques.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can lead to a less-than-perfect Company Cake. These include overmixing the batter, incorrect oven temperature, and improper pan preparation. To avoid these issues, make sure to mix your ingredients just until they come together, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, and grease your bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases cleanly.
- Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so mix your ingredients just until they’re combined.
- An incorrect oven temperature can affect the cake’s texture and structure, so use an oven thermometer to verify the temperature.
- Properly preparing your bundt pan is crucial for a clean release.
Storage and Freshness Tips
To keep your Company Cake fresh for as long as possible, it’s essential to store it properly. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. Avoid storing the cake in a humid environment, as this can cause it to become soggy.
Using oil instead of butter helps maintain the cake’s moisture at room temperature. You can also consider adding a bit of citrus zest or nuts to enhance the flavor and texture.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Grandma’s Company Cake at its best for several days. Proper storage and handling will ensure that the cake remains moist and flavorful, with a delightful texture that’s perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
With Grandma’s Company Cake recipe, you’re not just baking a cake, you’re preserving a family legacy. This traditional dessert connects generations through shared food experiences and the passing down of culinary knowledge. As you make this cake your own by incorporating your family’s preferences, you’ll be respecting the techniques that make it special. The unique texture and taste of this cake make it perfect for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events. We invite you to share your experiences making Grandma’s Company Cake and how it becomes part of your own family traditions. By embracing this « company cake » tradition, you’ll be symbolizing hospitality and warmth in your home. Sometimes, the simplest recipes create the most lasting memories, just like this one from grandma’s kitchen.
