Ciambelone Italian Coffee Cake
A delightful Italian coffee cake featuring a tender crumb and subtle lemon and brandy flavors, perfect for breakfast or teatime gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together as for cake batter.
- Grease an angel food pan and pour the batter into it.
- Sprinkle sugar over the batter before baking.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract or substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter works well. Make sure to mix the batter gently to avoid overworking it, which can lead to a dense cake. For extra zest, add a teaspoon of lemon extract along with the lemon rind.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ciambelone warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful finish. It pairs beautifully with a cup of espresso or tea. For a complete Italian-inspired breakfast, consider serving alongside Italian Frittata (Omelette)(Quick Meal Using Leftover Spaghetti) or fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ciambelone Italian Coffee Cake contains roughly 615 calories, with 10g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake, but it will still yield a delicious result.
What can I do if I don't have an angel food pan?
If you don't have an angel food pan, you can use a bundt pan or a regular cake pan instead. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as the cake may take a bit longer to bake in a deeper pan. Keep checking for doneness with a toothpick.
How can I enhance the flavor of the cake?
Consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A drizzle of glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar can also elevate the cake's flavor. For a more festive touch, you might even layer in some chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).