When the sun’s rays begin to warm the kitchen in the morning, there’s no better way to start the day than with a slice of homemade Ciambella. This delightful Italian breakfast cake is a beautiful reminder of cozy mornings spent with family, sipping coffee and enjoying sweet moments. I discovered this gem of a recipe while searching for something simple yet satisfying to complement my busy mornings. With its heavenly soft texture and a hint of citrus zest, this dairy-free treat is crafted using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Imagine the aroma of fresh orange mingling with the rich scent of olive oil as the cake bakes—it’s a symphony of flavors waiting to embrace your senses. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or something to impress guests during brunch, this easy ciambella delivers every time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; you can adjust the flavors to suit your mood. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create a cake that not only fills belly but also warms your heart!

Why love this Easy Ciambella Recipe?

Quick and Simple: This recipe requires just minutes to prep, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
Dairy-Free Delight: Made with olive oil instead of butter, this cake fits perfectly into a dairy-free lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.
Citrus Bliss: The hint of orange zest brightens every bite, infusing your mornings with a refreshing twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its fluffy texture and delightful sweetness, it’s bound to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Versatile Flavor: Feel free to adjust the citrus or add spices to customize it to your taste—every baker can make it their own!
Traditionally Irresistible: This classic Italian treat recalls cozy family breakfasts, bringing a touch of tradition to your table, making it an instant favorite!

Easy Ciambella Recipe Ingredients

• Simple ingredients for a delight!

For the Cake

6 large eggs (at room temperature) – Provides structure and moisture; ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification.
1 ¼ cups (10 oz / 284g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and tenderness; feel free to adjust based on your preferred sweetness level.
1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) olive oil – Acts as a fat source, keeping the cake moist; can be substituted with sunflower oil if desired.
Zest and juice of 1 orange – Provides natural sweetness and a fresh citrus flavor; for a twist, you can use lemon zest and juice instead.
2 cups (10 oz / 284g) all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cake; ensure it is sifted to prevent lumps for a smooth batter.
4 teaspoons baking powder – A leavening agent that ensures a light and fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.

Optional Flavor Add-Ins

2 teaspoons ground fennel seeds – For a unique flavor twist that adds warmth to the cake, perfect for adventurous palates!
Lemon zest instead of orange – For a refreshing alternative that offers a bright, zesty flavor.

Let’s savor the beauty of homemade desserts with this easy ciambella recipe!

How to Make Easy Ciambella Recipe

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take a 12-cup bundt pan and generously butter it, then sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking. This will help achieve that beautiful golden crust.
Whisk together the 6 large eggs and 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar in a large bowl. Add in 1 cup of olive oil, along with the zest and juice of 1 orange. Whisk everything until it’s fully combined and smooth.
Combine the dry ingredients: in a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gently fold this mixture into the wet ingredients in three parts, being careful not to overmix. You want to keep that light texture!
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should have risen beautifully and have a lovely golden-brown top.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. For a finishing touch, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness!

Optional: Serve with macerated berries for a colorful, delicious twist!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Easy Ciambella Recipe

Room Temperature: Keep your ciambella in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and moist, ready to be enjoyed with your morning coffee.

Fridge: If you want to extend its life, you can store the cake in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of ciambella in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for a quick treat.

Reheating: If desired, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This restores its delightful softness, making it as good as fresh! Enjoy your homemade Easy Ciambella Recipe!

Expert Tips for Easy Ciambella Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use eggs and olive oil at room temperature for better emulsification and a higher rise in your cake.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture; overmixing can result in a dense cake.
Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; if using a smaller pan, check for doneness after 25-30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding spices like fennel seeds or switching to lemon zest for a refreshing twist to the easy ciambella recipe.
Sift Your Flour: Sifting the all-purpose flour ensures a smooth batter and helps avoid lumps, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

What to Serve with Easy Ciambella Recipe?

Start your morning off right by pairing this delightful cake with some complementary side items that enhance its sweet, citrusy flavor.

Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a burst of freshness, balancing the sweetness of the ciambella.
Greek Yogurt: The creaminess of yogurt contrasts beautifully with the fluffy cake, providing a satisfying bite while adding protein.
Espresso or Coffee: The rich notes of coffee pair perfectly, enhancing the citrus flavors of the cake and creating a quintessential breakfast experience.
Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey brings a touch of additional sweetness and depth, perfect for those who crave a sweeter morning treat.
Whipped Coconut Cream: This dairy-free option adds a light, fluffy texture that complements the ciambella’s softness and enhances its citrus notes.
Chocolate Shavings: For a touch of decadence, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top. They add a rich touch that elevates the whole dessert experience.
Almond Milk: A glass of cool almond milk makes a refreshing beverage choice that ties together the cake’s flavors while keeping things dairy-free.
Spiced Tea: A warm cup of chai or spiced tea introduces comfort and warmth, making for a cozy morning ritual alongside your ciambella.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Ciambella Recipe preparations are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix all the ingredients and refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Additionally, you can bake the cake ahead of time, letting it cool completely before storing it at room temperature for up to 3 days. To preserve its soft, luscious texture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and dust with powdered sugar. This way, you’ll enjoy a delightful homemade breakfast with minimal last-minute effort!

Easy Ciambella Recipe Variations

Mixing things up with this delightful Italian breakfast cake is easy! Let your creativity shine as you create your unique twist.

Lemon Zest: Swap orange for lemon zest and juice for a bright, zesty flavor that elevates every bite.
Almond Milk: For a nutty undertone, replace olive oil with almond milk and add 1/2 cup of finely ground almonds.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
Spiced Delight: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to add warmth and richness to the flavor profile.
Nutty Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for a delightful crunch that enhances texture.
Coconut Twist: Substitute half the olive oil with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the citrus notes.
Berry Infusion: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries for a burst of fruity goodness that makes each slice a treat!
Chili Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to infuse a subtle heat, making for a surprising twist in this otherwise sweet cake.

Experiment and enjoy the flavors of your kitchen, bringing joy to every slice!

Easy Ciambella Recipe Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best oranges for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting oranges, look for ones that are firm, heavy for their size, and have vibrant color. Avoid any that have dark spots or feel soft. Fresh-picked oranges will give your ciambella the most aromatic zest and juicy flavor!

How should I store leftover ciambella?
Very easily! Store your ciambella in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers beyond that, placing it in the fridge can extend its freshness for up to a week, but be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid it becoming dry.

Can I freeze ciambella, and how do I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your easy ciambella, slice it into portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat!

What should I do if my ciambella is too dense?
No worries! If your ciambella comes out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not incorporating enough air during the whisking stage. For the next bake, whisk the wet ingredients gently and fold in the dry ingredients without overmixing. Also, check to ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening can prevent proper rising.

Is this recipe safe for my vegan friends?
Not yet! The current easy ciambella recipe contains eggs, so it’s not vegan. However, you can replace the eggs with an egg substitute like 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) for a delicious dairy-free and egg-free option. I’m sure your friends will appreciate this thoughtful adjustment!

Can I use other oils instead of olive oil?
Very much! While olive oil provides a distinct flavor and healthy fats, you can substitute it with sunflower oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil if you prefer. Just ensure whatever oil you choose is neutral or complements the citrus flavor!