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Home » Popular » Cakes & Cupcakes » Italian Lemon Bundt Cake/Ciambellone

Italian Lemon Bundt Cake/Ciambellone

Last Updated December 18, 2021. Published December 14, 2020 By Rosemary 21 Comments

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This easy Italian Lemon Bundt Cake or better known as Il Ciambellone, is a simple soft Italian Cake, with a hint of lemon and vanilla. Delicious served for breakfast, snack or even dessert. Dust with powdered sugar or fancy it up with a simple Chantilly cream.

bundt cake on a wire rack with 2 slices cut

A homemade Ciambellone or Bundt Cake is very important to Italians. I have never been to someone’s house where they didn’t bring out which looked like a just made cake. A homemade Ciambellone is probably presented with more pride than a full course meal! Everyone is very proud of their own recipe whether it was handed down from their mother or grandmother. Today I present my Homemade Ciambellone Recipe.

How to make it

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and zest.

In a large bowl beat the eggs, yolk, sugar and vanilla until light, then slowly drizzle in the oil while beating. Alternately add the flour and the milk while beating on low speed. Beat until smooth.

beat the eggs & sugar in a bowl whisked dry ingredients in white bowl

Pour into the prepared Bundt Pan sprinkle with pearl sugar if desired.

the cake batter in a bowl and ready to bake in a bundt pan

Bake in the pre-heated oven, let the cake cool in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

baked cake on a green board.

What is a bundt cake

A Bundt cake is a cake that is shaped basically like a donut, a cake with a hole in the middle. The shape is inspired by a traditional European cake known as Gugelhupf, but Bundt cakes are not associated with any particular recipe.

What is the difference between a Ciambella and a Ciambellone?

A Ciambella translated to English is a Donut, a yeast dough that is usually fried in hot oil. Whereas a Ciambellone is a donut-shaped cake that is generally a kind of Margherita cake. In Italian direct translation would be Ciambella – Donut and Ciambellone – Big Donut.

What is the difference between Lemon Zest & Juice?

Lemon zest, the yellow part of the peel only and not the white part which is quite bitter, consists of lemon oil, which is filled with the pure lemon flavour. Whereas lemon juice, has the acidic, tart taste of the lemon. So depending on what you prefer you can either use one or both when baking. For this recipe I used zest.

bundt cake on wire rack

Other flavourings to use

If you aren’t a lemon lover then you can substitute with orange, lime or even mandarin orange. Instead of using Vanilla you could substitute with almond or even lemon extract. Usually in Italian recipes they will use a vanilla bean, but beans are quite expensive, although I love the idea of the little black specks and the taste of the bean. I discovered a Vanilla Bean Paste that is used as a one for one substitution for vanilla extract and has those beautiful black specks and taste of a vanilla bean.

What is pearl sugar

This sugar is also known as Decorators sugar or Coarse sugar. If you can’t find this sugar where you live you can always use granulated sugar, or you can make your own. It is a very simple procedure and you can find out how to make it on my Romagnola Italian Cake.  Pearl sugar does not melt when baked and retains it’s appearance even after baking

What is Chantilly Cream?

Chantilly cream is a combination of whipped cream and icing sugar, sometimes flavoured with vanilla. It is usually used to fill pastries. It was supposedly invented by Francois Vatel,  the master of ceremonies to the prince of Conde at the castle of Chantilly. He thought of adding sugar to whipped cream,  and he also gave the name to the preparation. 

How to Make Cake Flour

For every cup of all purpose flour, remove two tablespoons and replace with two tablespoons of corn starch. Be sure to sift the flour and cornstarch together a couple of times, this way it is sure to be properly combined and lump free. Cake flour in cakes will give you a very tender texture and fine crumb, it will also help the cake to rise.

bundt cake on a wire rack 2 slices cut

How to store a Bundt Cake

As long as the cake is unfrosted it should be kept at room temperature. Keep it in a cake container or well wrapped. It will keep for up to 3 days.

How to freeze it

Be sure to cool the cake completely then wrap it tightly in either plastic wrap or foil, place it in a freeze safe bag. The cake will keep for  up to 2 months. When ready to thaw place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator to thaw before serving.

More Delicious Bundt Cakes

Simple Glazed Orange Cake

Italian Apple Cake

Almond Cranberry Cake

Mascarpone Cake with Raspberry Cream

So if you are looking for a simple Italian Cake I hope you give this Italian Lemon Bundt Cake / Ciambellone a try and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

a slice of lemon bundt cake

bundt cake on a wire rack 2 slices cut
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4.94 from 16 votes

Italian Lemon Bundt Cake/Ciambellone

This easy Italian Lemon Bundt Cake or better known as Il Ciambellone is a simple soft Italian Cake with a hint of lemon and vanilla.
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Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
Calories 286kcal
Author Rosemary Molloy

Ingredients

  • 2 cups + 1 tablespoon cake flour (300 grams)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (210 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (I used sunflower) (165 grams)
  • ½ cup milk (I used whole milk) (room temperature) (100 grams)

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C). Grease and flour a 9½-10inch (24cm) bundt pan.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and zest.
    In a large bowl beat on medium speed the eggs, yolk, sugar and vanilla until light about 3-5 minutes, then slowly drizzle in the oil while beating. Alternately add the flour and the milk while beating on low speed. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute until smooth.
  • Pour into the prepared bundt pan sprinkle with pearl sugar if desired. Bake in the pre-heated oven for approximately 40-50 minutes, test for doneness with a toothpick, let the cake cool in the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

For room temperature ingredients, remove from the fridge 45-60 minutes before using.
In order to make homemade Cake flour - for every cup of all purpose flour, remove two tablespoons and replace with two tablespoons of corn starch. Be sure to sift the flour and cornstarch together a couple of times, this way it is sure to be properly combined and lump free.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @anitalianinmykitchen or tag #anitalianinmykitchen!

 

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    Filed Under: Breakfast / Brunch, Cakes & Cupcakes, Christmas, Summer

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    1. Marta says

      May 2, 2022 at 8:45 pm

      Hi, Rosemary, I can’t find your original comment about “lemon perfume” but I too am a lemon lover in all its forms! I have been using a lemon body mist instead of perfume for years. Unfortunately, it is no longer available :o( Since I am almost completely out of my mist, I have recently searched for a substitute & I think I found 2 very similar. I haven’t tried either yet but here’s the info if you’re interested: Both are on etsy.com: Zynfulbeauty 5 out of 5 stars Body Mist- Lemon Bliss Body Mist…. OR….
      StephaniezSweets 5 out of 5 stars Lemon Whip Body Mist, perfume, body spray, body splash, fragrance mist

      Please Note: I have no affiliations whatsoever. I just wanted to share what I found. I love your emails & yours recipes are fantastic! I am definitely a fan……. Bravo & GrazieI

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        May 5, 2022 at 8:16 pm

        Hi Marta, I think I commented on the lemon perfume on another recipe, but I can’t remember which, thanks I will definitely check them out (and no worry about an affiliation). Thanks so much, so glad you like the recipes. Take care. Have a great weekend.

        Reply
    2. Linda says

      February 17, 2022 at 1:25 pm

      How do you think it would taste with some anise seeds added to it?

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        February 17, 2022 at 4:39 pm

        Hi Linda, I really don’t know, I am not a great lover of anise seeds, but if you want to try it, let me know how it turns out. 🙂

        Reply
    3. anna says

      August 20, 2021 at 1:26 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for sharing your Outstanding recipe! Moist, delicious with a perfect hint of lemon… and just like Nonna Caterina use to make! Everyone loved it!

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        August 21, 2021 at 6:28 pm

        Hi Anna, thanks so much so glad I could bring back a Nonna memory. Have a great weekend.

        Reply
    4. PattieC63 says

      May 12, 2021 at 12:06 am

      4 stars
      This is a delicious, lightly lemon flavored cake that is best eaten the day it’s baked. I’ve followed this recipe exactly two times and each time the cake is on the dry side. Seeing all the oil that is in this cake, a dry cake result is quite surprising.
      Still delicious, but wondering if the cake flour may be the reason for the dryness? I may try all purpose next time?

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        May 12, 2021 at 5:41 pm

        Hi Pattie, Italian cakes are not as moist as American cakes, but this cake should not be dry, I think you might have baked it a bit too long. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jessica Simpson says

      December 20, 2020 at 11:27 pm

      5 stars
      This was a winner! Came out beautifully, was easy to make, loved the way it cut and loved the taste. My bundt pan has ridges, so the cake comes out “fancier” than your pictures. On to trying the chocolate chip/ricotta bundt cake next! Thanks for this!

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        December 21, 2020 at 7:00 pm

        Hi Jessica, thanks so much, I like the sounds of that bundt pan :)! Take care.

        Reply
    6. Elizabeth says

      December 20, 2020 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      Oh lovely!! My mouth is watering right now just reading this recipe, which is going on my to-do list for the next few days!!! One question, though. Ive eaten this in Italy and I know a Ciambelleone is traditionally made in a Bundt pan but I don’t have one. I’m in Germany and don’t even have a Gugelhupf pan, no space in my tiny kitchen. Any problems in making this in a loaf pan?

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        December 20, 2020 at 6:35 pm

        Hi Elizabeth, thanks so much, I don’t see a problem with making it in your loaf pan. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know. Take care.

        Reply
        • Elizabeth says

          December 21, 2020 at 12:49 pm

          Thank you, Rosemary! I’ll let you know how it turns out and if hubby got any of it before it disappeared into my stomach. 🙂

    7. Nicola says

      December 19, 2020 at 11:43 am

      5 stars
      I love all of your recipes and have made quite a few, easy to follow and delicious! Thank you Rosemary x

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        December 19, 2020 at 4:45 pm

        Thanks so much Nicola, glad you like the recipes. Merry Christmas.

        Reply
    8. Tonia says

      December 17, 2020 at 10:09 am

      5 stars
      It’s an easy cake to make and the family love it

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        December 17, 2020 at 7:59 pm

        Thanks Tonia, glad everyone enjoyed it. Merry Christmas.

        Reply
    9. KC says

      December 17, 2020 at 3:06 am

      5 stars
      I thought this was great. I substituted Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour so that my husband could enjoy it too. It worked well though the GF flour makes it hard to put in the pan evenly. Still tastes great!

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        December 17, 2020 at 5:01 pm

        Hi KC thanks so much, so glad you both enjoyed it. Take care.

        Reply
    10. Susan says

      December 16, 2020 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      When I saw this recipe, I was so excited because I was raised in Italy and am very familiar with “Ciambellone”, which I hadn’t had in decades.

      I made it this morning and it’s been a big success. It turned out beautifully and it’s perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. I will definitely be making it again.

      Reply
      • Rosemary says

        December 18, 2020 at 11:30 am

        Hi Susan, thanks so much, glad to bring back memories. Glad you enjoyed the recipe. Take care.

        Reply

    Hi, I'm Rosemary.

    Living in Italy I learned to cook authentic Italian dishes using whole ingredients, fresh veggies and delicious spices. So take a seat and have a taste! Read More

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