Schiacciata alla Fiorentina: Florence’s Carnival Sweet

Have you tried schiacciata alla Fiorentina? This charming cake comes from the heart of Florence, Tuscany. It shines during Carnival, the lively days before Lent when indulging in sweets is a must. The name schiacciata means “flattened,” which perfectly describes its low, rectangular shape.

Forget the savory version. This cake is soft, spongy, and sweet. Simple ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs, and olive oil—mix with a bright touch of orange zest or juice. As it bakes, it fills the kitchen with a cheerful, citrusy aroma. After baking, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and, if you like, stencil a cocoa fleur-de-lis, Florence’s iconic symbol.

Every bite burst with Tuscan tradition and Carnival joy. It’s cozy, fragrant, and utterly irresistible.

Schiacciata alla Fiorentina: Florence’s Carnival Sweet
Schiacciata alla Fiorentina: A Taste of Carnival in Florence
Schiacciata alla Fiorentina is a simple yet irresistible cake that captures the spirit of Florence, especially during the vibrant Carnival season in February. Light, moist, and slightly spongy, it’s the kind of cake that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Its flavor is brightened with the fresh zest of orange and the sweet, comforting aroma of vanilla, making each slice fragrant and cheerful.
Traditionally, the cake is finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, sometimes adorned with a cocoa-stenciled fleur-de-lis, the symbol of Florence.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100 ml (½ cup) olive oil
  • 120 ml (½ cup) milk
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • salt (pinch)
Decorate
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Cocoa powder (optional decoration)

Equipment

  • Electric mixer (optional)
  • 9×13-inch baking pan (or similar)
  • stencil to create a fleur-de-lis design. (optional)

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 180°C (350°F). Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, olive oil, milk, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Form the batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and decorate: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Optional: use a stencil and cocoa powder to create a fleur-de-lis design.

Notes

Room temperature: Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix evenly and keeps the cake light.
Orange flavor boost: For extra citrus aroma, add a teaspoon of orange juice along with the zest. You can also try a mix of orange and lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
Check doneness: Ovens vary. Start checking at 25–30 minutes with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Decorate Schiacciata alla Fiorentina with a Fleur-de-Lis Stencil

To give your Schiacciata alla Fiorentina that classic Florentine touch, start by downloading a free fleur-de-lis image online and turning it into a stencil. Place the stencil gently in the center of your cooled cake. Then, using a small sieve, dust cocoa powder evenly over the stencil. Lift it carefully to reveal a crisp, elegant fleur-de-lis design. This simple decoration not only adds visual charm but also highlights the cake’s Tuscan heritage, making it perfect for Carnival celebrations or a festive dessert table.

Serving

Slice the cake into generous squares or rectangles, about 8 pieces for a standard pan. Serve it on a simple plate to let its golden color and powdered-sugar design shine. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or a light dessert wine. For an extra festive touch during Carnival, you can add a few fresh orange slices or edible flowers on the side. Enjoy it fresh at room temperature and watch how quickly it disappears.

Storage

Keep your cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay soft and flavorful for 2–3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Avoid refrigerating the cake, as it can dry out the soft, spongy texture that makes Schiacciata alla Fiorentina so special.