Olive Oil Ciambellone (Italian Bundt Cake) Recipe
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we celebrate the delightful world of desserts with an Italian twist! If you’re looking for a deliciously moist and fluffy cake, our Olive Oil Ciambellone is the perfect choice. This light and flavorful bundt cake uses olive oil for richness, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. It’s simple to make, even for beginners, and the results are always impressive.
Category: Desserts
Serves: 8
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this wonderful Olive Oil Ciambellone:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 130g |
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 350g |
| Sugar | 180g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Whole milk | 50g |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Orange zest | 1 (from 1 orange) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Instructions
Here’s how to make this delightful Olive Oil Ciambellone, step by step:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them incorporate better into the batter.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 24cm (9.5-inch) bundt pan or tube pan. Set it aside.
-
Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer), crack the eggs and add the sugar and a pinch of fine salt. Begin mixing at medium speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, continuing to mix. The key here is to add the oil gradually so that it emulsifies properly with the egg mixture. The result should be smooth and creamy.
- Add the milk, pouring it in slowly, and mix until incorporated.
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Sifting the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This step ensures that your cake will rise evenly and have a light texture.
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Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the sifted flour and baking powder mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Keep adding the dry ingredients little by little until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous. The texture should be thick but not too stiff.
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Adding the Orange Zest:
- Finally, fold in the zest of one orange. The citrus fragrance will enhance the flavor of the olive oil and give the ciambellone a delightful aromatic touch.
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Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Keep an eye on the cake during the last 10 minutes of baking. If it starts to brown too quickly, cover the top loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
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Cooling and Serving:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Before serving, dust the ciambellone with powdered sugar, or if you prefer, decorate it with whipped cream or a light drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Tips for Success:
- Olive Oil: The olive oil gives the cake its unique flavor. You can use a mild extra virgin olive oil to ensure it doesn’t overpower the sweetness of the cake, but feel free to experiment with different types for varying results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure to use room temperature eggs and milk to help them blend smoothly into the batter, ensuring a better texture.
- Orange Zest: The zest from a fresh orange adds a fragrant, tangy element that perfectly complements the richness of the olive oil. You can also use lemon zest for a slightly different flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover ciambellone in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but make sure to wrap it tightly to preserve its moisture.
Why You’ll Love This Ciambellone
This Italian Olive Oil Bundt Cake is the ideal treat for any time of year. Its subtle sweetness and moist texture make it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a dessert after dinner. It’s a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a lighter cake without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Give this Olive Oil Ciambellone a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite in Italian homes. Enjoy it with your morning coffee, or serve it at your next gathering as a delightful dessert. Happy baking!
At Love With Recipes, we hope you enjoyed this simple yet delicious recipe for Olive Oil Ciambellone. For more Italian-inspired cakes and desserts, be sure to explore our other recipes. Let us know how your ciambellone turns out – we’d love to hear from you!
