Nonna’s Classic Bundt Cake Recipe
Introduction
Nothing says “home” quite like the aroma of a traditional Italian bundt cake, or as Nonna would call it, Ciambellone della Nonna. This dessert is soft, rich, and filled with the flavors of citrus, vanilla, and dried fruits, making it a perfect treat for family gatherings or as a sweet breakfast with coffee. Follow this detailed recipe to recreate Nonna’s classic bundt cake and fill your home with the warmth of Italian tradition.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Nonna’s Bundt Cake. All ingredients should be at room temperature for best results.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 500 g |
| Granulated sugar | 300 g |
| Butter | 250 g |
| Whole milk | 250 g |
| Eggs | 275 g (about 5 large eggs) |
| Raisins | 75 g |
| Candied orange peel | 50 g |
| Orange (zest and juice) | 1 |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Vanilla bean pod | 1 |
| Baking powder | 16 g (about 1 tbsp) |
| Butter (for greasing pan) | As needed |
| Flour (for dusting pan) | As needed |
| Powdered sugar (for garnish) | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Sugars | 22 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: Begin by ensuring that all refrigerated ingredients—like butter, milk, and eggs—are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth and homogenous batter.
- Citrus Zest and Juice: Grate the zest of one lemon and one orange using a fine grater, then set aside. Halve the orange and squeeze out the juice into a small bowl.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder to ensure an airy and lump-free batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease and Flour: Generously butter a bundt cake pan, approximately 23 cm in diameter and 9 cm in height. Dust the pan with flour, tapping out the excess. This step prevents sticking and ensures the cake releases cleanly after baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 3: Create the Batter
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, citrus zests, and seeds scraped from the vanilla bean pod. Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed for about 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, while continuing to beat. This allows the mixture to incorporate the eggs smoothly without curdling. Beat until the batter is light and creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Add Flour Mixture Gradually: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the sifted flour and baking powder mixture in small increments.
- Stream in Milk: While adding the dry ingredients, alternate with a steady stream of milk to keep the batter moist and smooth. Continue mixing until everything is well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
Step 5: Add the Fruits
- Prepare the Raisins: Soak the raisins in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Coat in Flour: Toss the raisins and candied orange peel with a small amount of flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Batter: Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Add Fruit: Sprinkle half of the raisin and candied orange mixture over the batter.
- Repeat Layers: Add another third of the batter, followed by the remaining raisins and candied orange. Finally, pour the last third of the batter on top and gently smooth the surface with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Once cooled, dust the cake generously with powdered sugar for a classic look.
- Serve: Slice and serve your Nonna’s Bundt Cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined to prevent a dense texture.
- Use Fresh Citrus: Freshly grated zest and juice provide the best flavor; avoid pre-packaged alternatives.
- Customize the Fruits: Substitute raisins or candied orange with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a modern twist.
Enjoy the timeless charm of Nonna’s Ciambellone—a dessert that carries the warmth and love of family traditions in every bite.
