Description
This exquisite Mediterranean-style layer cake features a moisture-rich sponge infused with crushed pineapple and topped with a luxurious mascarpone whipped cream. Each slice offers a perfect harmony of tropical brightness and silky custard, making it a sophisticated choice for any summer gathering.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch (Cornflour)
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- Crushed pineapple (in its own juice)
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh lemon juice
- Full fat milk
- Butter
- Mascarpone cheese
- Icing sugar
- Cold whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens or 175°C (350°F) for conventional ovens and grease and line two 8-inch cake tins.
- Sift the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple with juice, vanilla, and lemon juice.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined, ensuring you do not overwork the batter.
- Divide the batter between the prepared tins and bake for 30 to 33 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in their tins for 20 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the custard by whisking pineapple, sugar, cornstarch, milk, and lemon juice over medium heat until thickened, then stir in cold butter.
- Whip the cold mascarpone, icing sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then slowly add whipping cream and whisk to stiff peaks before folding in drained pineapple.
- Assemble by piping a frosting ring on the first layer, filling with half the custard, adding the second cake layer, and covering with remaining cream and custard.
Notes
For the most stable frosting, ensure your mixing bowl and whisk attachment are chilled in the freezer for ten minutes before starting. When assembling the cake, if your kitchen is warm, let the frosted cake set in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure the custard layers remain perfectly defined.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean