Gather Your Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a ciambella pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Sift the mixture to ensure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the egg and sugar mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until all the flour is incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Ciambella
Pour the batter into the prepared ciambella pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the ciambella from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
Enjoy Your Homemade Ciambella!
Now that you’ve followed the step-by-step guide, it’s time to indulge in your homemade ciambella! Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat after a meal, this simple Italian cake is sure to impress.
Remember, making a ciambella is not only a delightful experience but also a way to connect with Italian culinary traditions. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the baking adventure begin!