Ciambella is a classic Italian ring-shaped cake, loved for its simplicity and tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it captures the essence of Italian home baking with minimal ingredients. This cake’s delicate sweetness pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Its versatility allows for flavour variations, like lemon zest or vanilla, making it a timeless treat. Baking Ciambella at home brings warmth to any kitchen and offers a comforting experience for bakers of all levels.
Why You Will Love the Ciambella Cake Recipe
Ciambella is more than just a cake; it’s an Italian tradition that delights with every bite. Its simplicity and flavour make it a favourite for home bakers.
- Light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find in any kitchen.
- Quick preparation without complicated techniques, perfect for beginner bakers.
- Versatile recipe, allowing additions like lemon, vanilla, or chocolate.
- Perfect with coffee, tea, or as a dessert after meals.
Ingredients You Will Need
Gather the following ingredients to bake an authentic and flavorful Ciambella cake that is light, moist, and perfect for any occasion.
- 300 grams (2.4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 250 grams (1.25 cups) granulated sugar
- 4 medium eggs (room temperature)
- 100 grams (0.41 cups) milk (room temperature)
- 165 grams (0.76 cups) seed oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Ciambella Cake
Baking Ciambella is rewarding and straightforward. Follow these steps to create a tender, flavorful Italian cake perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Sifting ensures even distribution, avoids clumps, and creates a light texture, forming the perfect base for the moist Ciambella batter.
Step 2: Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air, ensuring a light, airy cake that rises beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix milk, seed oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and lemon zest into the egg mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, uniform batter ready for the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently mix until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. This will result in a perfectly balanced batter for the Ciambella cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving for a classic Italian touch.
Ciambella Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Sift flour and baking powder into a large bowl to ensure even distribution and a light texture.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy to incorporate air for a light cake.
- Gradually mix in milk, seed oil or melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and uniform.
- Fold sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until smooth and lump-free.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Notes
Serving Tips for Ciambella Cake
Enhance your Ciambella experience with these serving suggestions to make every bite delightful and memorable.
- Serve slices with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with fresh berries or fruit compote for a refreshing taste.
- Enjoy coffee, espresso, cappuccino, or herbal tea.
- Drizzle a glaze of powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness.
- Wrap slices in parchment paper and ribbon for charming homemade gifts.
Nutritional Benefits of Ciambella Cake
Ciambella cake is a delightful treat with moderate dietary value. A typical slice provides approximately 591 calories, 33 grams of fat, 46 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. Lemon zest adds flavour and a slight vitamin C boost, while seed oil or butter provides healthy fats.
Baking at home allows control over sugar content, making it a balanced indulgence. Although delicious, Ciambella is best enjoyed in moderation. Paired with tea or coffee, it serves as a comforting snack while delivering essential energy for the day.
Conclusion
Ciambella is a traditional Italian cake that combines simplicity with delicious flavour. Its light texture, subtle sweetness, and versatile recipe make it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Baking Ciambella at home is straightforward, rewarding, and enjoyable for beginner and experienced bakers. With simple ingredients and a timeless flavour, this cake will become a favourite in your kitchen, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and a taste of Italy to your table.