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#### 1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and smooth.
#### 2. Prepare the Macaroon Layer:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt together until stiff peaks form. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on high speed. Once stiff peaks have formed, gently fold in the shredded coconut and powdered sugar, then add the vanilla extract. Be sure not to deflate the egg whites too much as you fold in the ingredients—this will help create a light, airy macaroon layer.
#### 3. Assemble the Cake:
Spoon the cake batter into the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly. Then, spoon the macaroon mixture over the top of each cake layer. Gently spread it out, making sure to cover the entire surface of the batter. The macaroon layer will bake on top of the cake, creating a delightful texture contrast.
#### 4. Bake the Cake:
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake layers comes out clean (the macaroon layer will be slightly golden). If you notice the macaroon topping browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with foil to prevent it from burning.
Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### 5. Make the Frosting (Optional):
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute coconut cream for a similar effect. You can also skip the frosting entirely if you prefer a more traditional Italian-style cake, where the macaroon layer is the star.
#### 6. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. If using frosting, spread a thin layer of whipped cream over the first layer of cake. Place the second cake layer on top and lightly press down to secure it. Frost the top and sides of the cake with whipped cream if desired, or leave it bare for a more rustic look. You can garnish the top with extra toasted coconut, slivered almonds, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
### Tips for the Perfect Milanese Macaroon Cake:
– **Almond Flour:** Using almond flour in the cake batter gives the cake a slightly nutty flavor that complements the macaroon layer. If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground almonds can also work as a substitute.
– **Egg Whites:** Be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for the macaroon layer. This will ensure the layer has a light, airy texture.
– **Don’t Overmix:** When combining the wet and dry ingredients for the cake batter, be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense texture. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
– **Storage:** If you’re not serving the cake immediately, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
### Conclusion:
The *Milanese Macaroon Cake* is an exquisite blend of fluffy cake and chewy, coconut macaroon goodness. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or just treating yourself to a special dessert, this cake will not disappoint. With its layers of tender cake and light macaroon topping, it’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will impress any guest and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy every bite of this Italian-inspired masterpiece!
