Ciambella di San Cataldo

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100g) almond flour 1 cup (100g) almond flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup (60ml) Amaretto liqueur ¼ cup (60ml) Amaretto liqueur
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 28g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a ring-shaped cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the Amaretto liqueur.
6. 6.
   Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the Ciambella di San Cataldo with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure that the almond flour is finely ground for a smooth texture in the cake batter.
• Amaretto liqueur — If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the Amaretto liqueur with almond extract mixed with an equal amount of water.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the almond flavor, lightly toast the almond flour before incorporating it into the batter.
• For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the Ciambella di San Cataldo with slivered almonds before serving.
• Serve the cake slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a delightful dessert experience.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed Italian coffee.

Serving advice

Serve the Ciambella di San Cataldo as a centerpiece dessert for special occasions or enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Presentation advice

Present the Ciambella di San Cataldo on a decorative cake stand, dusted with powdered sugar. Garnish with slivered almonds and fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.