Description
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon indulgence, Ciambellone is a beloved recipe in many Italian households. It has a soft, sponge-like texture and pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
3 large eggs
2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour (or substitute with 2 cups or 270 g whole wheat flour)
1 1/2 cups (200 g) sugar
1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240 ml) milk
2 1/2 tsp (15 g) baking powder
Zest of 1 orange or lemon (grated)
Butter for greasing the pan
Flour for dusting the pan
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) for a lighter bake or 390°F (200°C) for a slightly darker crust.
- Prepare your baking pan by greasing it with butter, then lightly dusting it with flour. Tap out any excess flour.
2. Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Whisk until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy.
- Add the vegetable oil, milk, and zest of an orange or lemon. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift in the flour and baking powder. Gently whisk or use a hand mixer until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.
4. Pour the Batter into the Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
5. Bake the Cake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Important: Do not open the oven for the first 25 minutes to avoid the cake collapsing.
6. Check for Doneness
- Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions: Dust with powdered sugar or pair with whipped cream, jam, or fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg