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Italian Grape Cake

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Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • - 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • - 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • - 1 cup granulated sugar
  • - 1/2 cup olive oil
  • - 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • - 3 large eggs
  • - Zest of 1 orange
  • - Zest of 1 lemon
  • - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • - 2 cups small purple/red grapes preferably Concord grapes
  • - Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • - Optional: Wine or buttermilk as substitutes

Instructions
 

  • Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, olive oil, softened butter, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  • Gradually add the eggs to the sugar mixture, incorporating them one at a time. Then, gently fold in the dry ingredients in stages until just combined.
  • If desired, coat the grapes with a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking, then carefully fold the grapes into the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After 20 minutes, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • For the best results, consider experimenting with different grape varieties to discover your favorite flavor combinations. Remember to use whole grapes, especially the smaller ones, to maintain the cake's texture.
  • If you want to add a twist, try incorporating a hint of cinnamon for warmth, or consider substituting wine or buttermilk for a non-alcoholic version. Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen while baking this Italian Grape Cake!