Matera Cake is a simple yet delicious Italian dessert, known for its perfect balance between dense and airy texture. This easy-to-make cake is a classic favorite for cozy Sundays, dinner parties, or even as an everyday treat. With just a few ingredients, you can make a soft, buttery cake that’s sure to impress. Whether enjoyed plain with a cup of coffee or dressed up with berries, Matera cake will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (or half brown sugar for extra depth)

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 3 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup whole milk (2% works as well)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Cream the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy (about 1 minute). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

5. Prepare the pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or baking spray. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.

6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrients

(Per slice – approximate values)

• Calories: 250

• Fat: 10g (6g saturated, 3g unsaturated)

• Sodium: 150mg

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Sugar: 20g

• Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 4g

• Cholesterol: 70mg

Why Matera Cake Works So Well

The beauty of Matera Cake lies in its simplicity. It’s not a fussy or complicated recipe, but the end result is a cake that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The balance between butter, sugar, and flour gives the cake its rich, soft texture. The baking powder ensures that the cake rises slightly, adding airiness without losing its satisfying, dense feel. The eggs contribute structure while keeping the cake moist, and the vanilla extract provides that subtle but essential flavor that ties everything together.

It’s a cake that’s equally good on its own or as a base for toppings, making it versatile for a variety of occasions.

The Perfect Cake for Any Occasion

Matera Cake is a versatile treat that works for almost any situation. On a simple Sunday afternoon, it pairs perfectly with coffee, giving you that cozy moment to savor with a warm beverage. For a dinner party, it’s an elegant, light dessert that can easily be dressed up with fresh berries or whipped cream. You can even serve it as a quick dessert for a weeknight dinner—no special occasion required!

The cake is also ideal for meal prep or bringing to potlucks. Because it’s delicious without any complicated toppings, you can bake it ahead of time, store it at room temperature, and enjoy it for several days. It’s a dessert that only gets better with time, as the flavors continue to meld together.

The Key Ingredients: Simple and Flavorful

This cake relies on a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, making it an ideal go-to recipe when you’re craving something sweet. Let’s break down the key elements:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the cake, contributing to its dense but soft texture.

• Sugar: A blend of granulated sugar (and optionally brown sugar) sweetens the cake and helps achieve its light crumb.

• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise, giving it a lightness that contrasts with its satisfying, buttery richness.

• Eggs: The eggs contribute to the cake’s moisture and provide structure, ensuring that it holds together without being too heavy.

• Butter: The butter brings richness and a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the cake.

• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and provides that comforting, aromatic note.

• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a tender cake that isn’t dry or crumbly.

Simple Steps for a Perfect Cake

Making Matera Cake is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner bakers. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or baking spray.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Cream the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until smooth.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

6. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Perfectly Paired with Toppings

While Matera Cake is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to elevate it if you want to dress it up for a special occasion or just because. Here are a few ideas:

• Fresh berries: Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity contrast to the soft, buttery cake.

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds richness and texture.

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate, elegant touch.

• Chocolate ganache: For a more decadent treat, drizzle with chocolate ganache or melted chocolate.

You can also try serving it alongside a cup of fresh coffee or tea to complement the cake’s flavors.

Why Matera Cake is the Perfect Everyday Treat

What makes Matera Cake so fantastic is its ability to be both simple and impressive. It’s not overly sweet, and it doesn’t require any complicated ingredients or techniques, but it still delivers that warm, comforting feeling that makes dessert special. Whether enjoyed plain, with a few fresh berries, or dressed up for a party, this cake is a staple that never disappoints.

It’s a cake you can enjoy any day of the week and for any occasion—from a quiet evening at home to a lively dinner party. And once you make it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again for its versatility, simplicity, and delicious flavor.

Conclusion

Matera Cake is a classic, simple dessert that anyone can make and everyone will love. With its buttery texture, subtle sweetness, and light crumb, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, Matera Cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s proof that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest ones.