Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup whole milk
Step 1: Preparing the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a ciambella mold or a bundt pan to prevent sticking. Set it aside until needed.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Creaming the Sugar and Eggs
In a separate mixing bowl, cream the granulated sugar and eggs together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step 4: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the sugar and egg mixture. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 5: Combining the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, making sure to mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing as it can result in a dense cake.
Step 6: Baking the Ciambella
Pour the batter into the prepared ciambella mold or bundt pan, spreading 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.
Step 7: Cooling and Serving
Once baked, 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 before serving.
Now your delightful ciambella is ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it as is or dust it with powdered sugar for an extra touch. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, making it ideal for a cozy afternoon treat.
So, why wait? Put on your apron and start baking this simple yet scrumptious Italian ciambella today. Happy baking!