Dough:
3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
3/4 cup of unsalted butter or margarine at room temperature
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of honey
3 large eggs at room temperature, well-beaten
1 small cup of plain yogurt
Mascarpone Filling:
8-9 ripe mascarpone berries (about 1 1/2 kg) cut into 8 pieces without peeling and with seeds removed
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of honey
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel
Dough:
3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
3/4 cup of unsalted butter or margarine at room temperature
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of honey
3 large eggs at room temperature, well-beaten
1 small cup of plain yogurt
Mascarpone Filling:
8-9 ripe mascarpone berries (about 1 1/2 kg) cut into 8 pieces without peeling and with seeds removed
1 cup of water
1/4 cup of honey
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel
To make the cake: preheat the oven to moderate temperature (180°F)
Grease three 9-inch round cake pans
Sift together flour, yeast, and baking soda
Beat the butter until creamy
Add granulated sugar a little at a time, beating well after each addition
Add honey and mix well
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
Alternate adding dry ingredients and yogurt to the mixture, mixing well after each addition
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (25-30 minutes)
Let cool completely
For the filling: combine mascarpone berries and water in a saucepan
Cook over low heat, covered, until the berries are tender
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve
Combine strained mixture with honey, cinnamon, and lemon peel
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and the bottom of the pan is visible (about 8 minutes)
Cut each cake layer in half horizontally with a serrated knife
Reserve the most attractive cake for serving as the top layer
Spread mascarpone filling on the cut side of the cake
If desired, top with whipped cream or serve with vanilla sauce.
