Description
Classic Italian Ciambella is a soft, ring-shaped cake infused with lemon and orange zest for a light citrus flavor. Moist, tender, and delicately sweet, this traditional cake is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a cozy dessert with coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g (2.4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 165 g (0.76 cups) seed oil or melted butter
- 250 g (1.25 cups) granulated sugar
- 4 medium eggs, room temperature
- 100 g (0.41 cups) milk (or water)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 4–5 tbsp pearl sugar and/or powdered sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and flour a 10-inch (24 cm) bundt or ring pan.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, and both zests with an electric mixer until frothy and pale.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil (or melted butter) while mixing until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture in batches, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and sprinkle with pearl sugar if desired.
- Bake on the middle rack for about 45 minutes, checking at 25 minutes; if browning too quickly, reduce heat to 340°F (170°C).
- When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, remove from oven and cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg