Ciambella Ferrarese - Traditional Italian Ring Cake

Ingredients

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 32g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a ring-shaped cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, dust the Ciambella Ferrarese with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
9. 9.
   Slice and serve this delectable Italian ring cake with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before beating them to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra citrus kick, you can add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the batter.
• To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, ensure it is thoroughly greased and floured.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting it with powdered sugar to avoid clumping.

Serving advice

Serve the Ciambella Ferrarese as a delightful breakfast treat or as a dessert accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato.

Presentation advice

Place the Ciambella Ferrarese on a decorative cake stand and dust it generously with powdered sugar. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.