Table of Contents: Ciambella Recipe
Ciambella Recipe
Imagine starting your day with a slice of moist, fluffy, and flavorful Italian breakfast cake, perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon zest and a crunchy powdered sugar topping. Sounds like a dream, right? Look no further! Today, I’m excited to share with you my tried-and-true Ciambella recipe, a traditional Italian bundt cake that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Introduction: Ciambella Recipe
Ciambella, also known as a Classic Italian bundt or Simple ring cake, is a beloved Italian breakfast treat that’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, and even easy weeknight meals. This versatile cake is a masterclass in Italian baking, with a tender crumb, a delicate balance of flavors, and a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress.
What makes Ciambella so special is its unique texture and flavor profile. Unlike traditional bundt cakes, Ciambella is made with a combination of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and olive oil, which gives it a distinctive taste and aroma. Plus, the addition of milk and vanilla ensures that the cake stays moist and creamy, even after a few days.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Ciambella recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply as a delicious breakfast treat to start your day off right.
Alternate Names & Variations
If you’re familiar with Italian baking, you might have come across similar recipes under different names. Some popular variations include:
* Classic Italian bundt
* Simple ring cake
* Italian breakfast cake
* Ciambella Romana (Roman-style Ciambella)
These names all refer to the same delicious cake, with slight variations in ingredients and preparation methods.
Ingredients: Ciambella Recipe

To make this Ciambella recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- * 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- * 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- * 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about one lemon)
- * ½ cup milk (any milk works)
- * cup olive oil
- * 1 teaspoon vanilla
- * 1 tablespoon baking powder
- * ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- * 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (330 grams)
- * Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch (23cm) bundt pan.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until well combined.
- 4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- 5. Pour in the milk and olive oil, whisking until fully incorporated.
- 6. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- 7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Approximate calories: 250-300 per serving
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
So, what makes this Ciambella recipe so special? For starters, the combination of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and olive oil gives the cake a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. Additionally, the use of milk and vanilla ensures that the cake stays moist and creamy, even after a few days.
To take your Ciambella to the next level, try these expert tips:
* Use room temperature eggs for a lighter, fluffier texture.
* Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
* Let the cake cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Ciambella is best served fresh, but it can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the cake at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes.
People Also Ask: Ciambella Recipe

What is Ciambella cake?
Ciambella cake is a traditional Italian breakfast treat that’s similar to a bundt cake. It’s made with a combination of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and olive oil, which gives it a unique flavor profile.
Ciambella cake is a beloved Italian breakfast treat that’s perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, and even easy weeknight meals. This versatile cake is a masterclass in Italian baking, with a tender crumb, a delicate balance of flavors, and a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress. Unlike traditional bundt cakes, Ciambella is made with a combination of granulated sugar, lemon zest, and olive oil, which gives it a distinctive taste and aroma.
What is the difference between a Bundt cake and a Ciambella?
While both Bundt cakes and Ciambella are ring-shaped cakes, they have some key differences. Bundt cakes are typically made with a heavier, denser batter, whereas Ciambella is lighter and fluffier. Additionally, Ciambella is often flavored with lemon zest and olive oil, which gives it a unique taste and aroma.
The main difference between a Bundt cake and a Ciambella is the ingredients and the texture. Bundt cakes are typically made with a heavier, denser batter, whereas Ciambella is lighter and fluffier. Ciambella is also often flavored with lemon zest and olive oil, which gives it a unique taste and aroma. In terms of texture, Ciambella is tender and moist, with a delicate crumb that’s similar to a sponge cake.
Is Ciambella a donut?
No, Ciambella is not a donut! While it’s ring-shaped, Ciambella is a type of cake that’s made with a batter, not a yeast-based dough like donuts.
Ciambella is often confused with donuts due to its ring shape, but it’s actually a type of cake that’s made with a batter, not a yeast-based dough like donuts. Unlike donuts, Ciambella is not fried, but rather baked in the oven, which gives it a lighter, fluffier texture.
What is a typical Italian breakfast cake?
A typical Italian breakfast cake is a sweet, ring-shaped cake that’s often flavored with lemon or orange zest. Ciambella is a classic example of an Italian breakfast cake, and it’s often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of espresso or cappuccino.
In Italy, breakfast cakes like Ciambella are a staple in many households. They’re often served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of espresso or cappuccino, and they’re perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast on-the-go. Italian breakfast cakes like Ciambella are also often flavored with lemon or orange zest, which gives them a bright, citrusy taste that’s perfect for starting the day off right.
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Easy Italian Ciambella Recipe – Soft, Buttery & Perfect for Coffee!
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful Italian classic, Ciambella, a ring-shaped cake that’s both tender and flavorful. Made with fresh lemons, olive oil, and a hint of vanilla, this dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 5 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about one lemon)
- ½ cup milk (any milk works)
- cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (330 grams)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs until they become light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined.
- Stir in the lemon zest, milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra crispy exterior, try dusting the Ciambella with powdered sugar before baking. You can also substitute the lemon zest with orange or lemon extract for a different flavor profile. Store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ciambella, Italian cake, lemon dessert