Cipriani Cake Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Intermediate8–10
servings45
minutes20
minutes350–400
kcalIndulge in this classic Cipriani cake recipe with light sponge layers, creamy vanilla filling, and golden toasted meringue—an Italian dessert masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
4 eggs
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup flour
For the Cream:
¾ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 egg yolks
1½ cups whipped cream
For the Meringue:
4 egg whites
1 cup sugar
Juice of ½ lemon
Directions
- Make the Sponge Cake
- Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Gently fold in flour.
- Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Let it cool completely.
- Make the Pastry Cream
- Heat milk and vanilla until warm.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Slowly add warm milk to the egg mix while stirring.
- Cook on low heat until thick. Let cool.
- Fold in whipped cream.
- Make the Meringue
- Beat egg whites until foamy.
- Slowly add sugar and lemon juice.
- Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake
- Slice sponge into layers.
- Spread pastry cream between each layer.
- Cover the whole cake with meringue.
- Lightly torch or broil the top to brown.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients:
Always use eggs and dairy at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Don’t Overmix:
Fold the flour gently into the batter to keep the sponge cake light and airy.
Chill Before Serving:
Let the assembled cake chill for at least 1 hour to help the layers set and flavors blend.
Use a Kitchen Torch for Best Finish:
A quick torching gives the meringue a beautiful golden color and toasty flavor.
No Torch? No Problem:
Place the cake under the broiler for 30–60 seconds—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Make Ahead:
You can bake the sponge and make the cream a day in advance, then assemble fresh.
Table of Contents
The Cipriani cake recipe is a celebrated dessert from the renowned Harry’s Bar in Venice, Italy. This elegant cake features layers of moist vanilla sponge, rich pastry cream, and a light, toasted meringue topping. Its delicate balance of flavors and textures has made it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts worldwide.Reddit+3marcoskitchen.it+3YouTube+3maicookbook.com

Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Cipriani Cake Recipe
- Ingredients Overview
- Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Assembling the Cipriani Cake
- Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction to the Cipriani Cake Recipe
The Cipriani cake recipe is renowned for its sophisticated layers and subtle sweetness. Originating from Harry’s Bar, this dessert combines traditional Italian baking techniques with a modern twist. The cake’s popularity has inspired numerous home bakers to recreate its magic in their kitchens.
Ingredients Overview
To prepare the Cipriani cake, gather the following components:

For the Sponge Cake:
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 150g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- Butter (for greasing the pan)TikTok+8marcoskitchen.it+8YouTube+8xhuliocooks.com+4Instagram+4maicookbook.com+4mykhailaeats.com+3xhuliocooks.com+3Instagram+3
For the Pastry Cream:
- 170ml whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 50g granulated sugar
- 15g cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 360ml heavy creammarcoskitchen.it+2Instagram+2Instagram+2marcoskitchen.it+2maicookbook.com+2La Cucina Italiana+2xhuliocooks.com+2marcoskitchen.it+2bearfootinthepark.com+2
For the Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 200g granulated sugar
- Juice of ½ lemonmaicookbook.com+5mykhailaeats.com+5marcoskitchen.it+5maicookbook.com
Note: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Preparing the Sponge Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Incorporate Flour: Gently fold in the sifted flour, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.directaccessrecipes.com+4bearfootinthepark.com+4mykhailaeats.com+4
Preparing the Pastry Cream:
- Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla extract until just boiling.
- Whisk Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Cook: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until thickened.
- Cool and Whip Cream: Once cooled, fold in the whipped heavy cream to create a light pastry cream.
Preparing the Meringue:
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Gradually add the sugar and lemon juice, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Assembling the Cipriani Cake Recipe
- Slice the Sponge Cake: Carefully slice the cooled sponge cake horizontally into four equal layers.
- Layer with Pastry Cream: Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread a portion of the pastry cream evenly. Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with a sponge layer on top.
- Apply Meringue: Generously spread the meringue over the top and sides of the cake, creating decorative swirls if desired.
- Torch the Meringue: Using a kitchen torch, lightly brown the meringue for a toasted finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to set the layers.marcoskitchen.it

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and high-quality dairy products enhance the cake’s flavor.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to maintain the sponge cake’s light texture.
- Monitor Meringue: When torching, keep the flame moving to prevent burning.
- Serve Chilled: The cake tastes best when served cold, allowing the flavors to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the cake in advance?
A: Yes, the Cipriani cake can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.Reddit
Q: What can I use instead of a kitchen torch?
A: If you don’t have a torch, place the cake under a broiler for a few seconds to brown the meringue.La Cucina Italiana+14directaccessrecipes.com+14marcoskitchen.it+14
Q: How long does the cake last?
A: When refrigerated, the cake remains fresh for up to 3 days.
Conclusion :Cipriani Cake Recipe
The Cipriani cake recipe offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a standout dessert for special occasions. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can recreate this iconic cake in your own kitchen, impressing guests and indulging your sweet tooth.