Fluffy Italian Morning Bundt Cake with Orange and Cinnamon

Morning Bundt Cake (Ciambella del Mattino)

Category: Sweets
Servings: 10

The Morning Bundt Cake is a delightful Italian breakfast treat, perfect for those lazy mornings when you want something sweet yet simple to prepare. This cake has a soft and moist texture, with a hint of orange zest and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar that adds an aromatic touch. Ideal for serving with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake will become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   Start by sifting the cornstarch and all-purpose flour together into a large bowl. Sifting ensures a light and airy batter. Add the baking powder and a pinch of fine salt to the mix.

2. Grate the Orange Zest
   Take an orange and grate its zest. The orange zest will give the cake a fresh, citrusy aroma that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a separate bowl, place the softened butter, cut into small pieces, and the granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the Eggs
   Beat in the whole egg and the egg yolk (both at room temperature) into the butter-sugar mixture. Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

5. Incorporate the Milk
   While continuing to beat the mixture, slowly pour in the milk at room temperature, a little at a time. This will help create a smooth, uniform batter.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually fold in the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spoon or spatula. Work in small portions, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and free of lumps. You can also use the electric mixer on a low speed for this step.

7. Prepare the Bundt Pan
   Grease a 22 cm (8.5 inches) bundt pan with softened butter using a pastry brush, making sure to cover the bottom and sides thoroughly. This will help the cake come out of the pan easily after baking. For extra assurance, lightly dust the pan with flour, tapping out any excess.

8. Pour the Batter into the Pan
   Carefully pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top to ensure even baking.

9. Add the Cinnamon Sugar
   In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this aromatic mixture generously over the top of the batter for a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust once baked.

10. Bake the Cake
    Place the bundt pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

11. Cool and Serve
    Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The cake will develop a golden, slightly crispy top thanks to the cinnamon-sugar topping.

12. Enjoy
    Once the cake has cooled, slice and enjoy with your favorite beverage. The Morning Bundt Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack. The delightful combination of butter, orange zest, and cinnamon will surely brighten your day!

Nutrition Information

(Per serving, based on 10 servings)

This Ciambella del Mattino is a delightful and simple treat to kickstart your day. Its light texture and subtle orange flavor, along with the aromatic cinnamon-sugar topping, make it a perfect addition to your breakfast table. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of jam, it’s sure to please both family and guests alike!