Ciambella Molisana - 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
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil ½ cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 28g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a ring-shaped cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and creamy.
3. 3.
   Add the milk, olive oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix well.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 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 top of the cake with powdered sugar.
9. 9.
   Slice and serve the Ciambella Molisana as a delightful dessert or enjoy it with a cup of coffee for a delightful breakfast treat.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its distinct flavor and richness.
• Lemon and orange zest — Make sure to grate only the outer colored part of the citrus fruits, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the batter.
• Make sure to properly grease and flour the cake pan to ensure easy removal of the cake.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting it with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting.

Serving advice

Serve the Ciambella Molisana as a delightful dessert on its own or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. It also makes a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Place the Ciambella Molisana on a decorative cake stand or serving platter. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish it with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.