Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is a traditional Florentine cake with roots in Tuscany, specifically in the city of Florence. This simple yet flavorful dessert is closely associated with Carnival (Carnevale), the festive period leading up to Lent, when indulgent foods are enjoyed before the fasting season begins. The word schiacciata means “flattened” in Italian, referencing the cake’s low, rectangular shape. Unlike its savory counterpart of the same name, Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is a sweet, spongy cake made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and olive oil, and is typically flavored with orange zest or juice, giving it a distinct citrus aroma. Traditionally dusted with powdered sugar and often marked with a cocoa stenciled fleur-de-lis—the symbol of Florence—this cake has become a beloved local specialty that celebrates both Tuscan heritage and Carnival festivities.
Ingredients
Method
- Initiate the preheating process for the oven, setting it to 360°F (180°C).
- Whisk together the eggs and sugar until they become fluffy and pale. Then, incorporate the milk, extra virgin olive oil, vanilla extract, and orange juice, and continue to whisk.
- Gently incorporate the flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest, folding them into the mixture until well combined.
- Pour the batter into an 8×10 inch baking dish that has been lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
