Ciambella
Italian Ring Cake
A simple, rustic Italian ring cake, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light dessert. Its straightforward preparation and comforting flavor make it a delightful everyday treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g All-purpose flour(Sifted for a lighter texture.)
- 150 g Granulated sugar
- 3 Large eggs(At room temperature.)
- 200 ml Whole milk(At room temperature.)
- 100 ml Mild olive oil or unsalted butter, melted(Olive oil will lend a slightly more rustic flavor; butter will be richer.)
- 1 large lemon Lemon zest(Finely grated, from an unwaxed lemon if possible.)
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder(Ensure it's fresh for proper leavening.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt(Enhances flavor.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) Bundt pan or ring mold thoroughly to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat vigorously with an electric mixer or by hand for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and significantly increased in volume (ribbon stage).
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Gradually stream in the olive oil (or melted butter) while continuing to whisk. Then, add the milk and finely grated lemon zest. Mix until just combined.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions. Gently fold them in using a spatula or whisk until no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with the spatula.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should also spring back lightly when touched.
⏱️ 35-40 minutes - 8
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. This prevents it from breaking.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This cake is intentionally simple, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine.
- ✓Serve slices plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
- ✓The traditional ring shape is achieved using a Bundt pan, but a standard tube pan or even a loaf pan can be used.
- ✓Ensure all wet ingredients (eggs, milk) are at room temperature for better emulsification and a smoother batter.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add 100g of dark chocolate chips to the batter along with the flour.
- Replace 50ml of milk with plain yogurt for a slightly tangier, moister cake.
- Infuse the milk with a vanilla bean or add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra aroma.