Nectarine and marsala polenta cake with marsala mascarpone

Portion size: Serves 8-10
Hands-on time 30-40 min, oven time 60-65 min
Difficulty: easy

Ripe nectarines and sweet marsala wine evoke memories of Sicily in this moreish polenta cake recipe. It’s easy to transport making it perfect for any summer picnic.

Discover more uses for your open packet of polenta in our polenta recipes collection.

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Ingredients

For the cake

150g caster sugar
3 large ripe nectarines, plus 2 sliced nectarines to serve
125ml sweet marsala wine
190ml extra-virgin olive oil
240g golden caster sugar
100g fine polenta
250g ground almonds
3 large free-range eggs, beaten

For the marsala mascarpone

500g mascarpone
100g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
4 tbsp sweet marsala wine

You’ll also need…

20cm loose-bottomed cake tin, lined with baking parchment

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Method

Heat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas 3½. Fill a large saucepan with water and add the caster sugar. Bring to a simmer, then carefully drop in the nectarines. Poach for 30-40 minutes at a very gentle simmer, until tender (the length of time will vary depending on how ripe the nectarines are). Remove the fruit and, once cool, slice the fruit off the stone, then put in a food processor with the 125ml marsala.
Add the remaining cake ingredients to the food processor and blend to a smooth batter. Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for 60-65 minutes or until cooked through – a skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
Meanwhile, using a balloon whisk, beat the mascarpone, icing sugar and 4 tbsp marsala in a bowl until smooth. Dust the cooled cake with a little icing sugar, then serve with a dollop of marsala mascarpone and nectarine slices.
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