Holidays are all about traditions and what better way to celebrate than by baking a delicious Italian Christmas treat that will fill your home with the warm aroma of sweet lemons. The Ciambella Al Limone, or Lemon Ring Cake, is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the season with its zesty flavor and tender texture. This festive cake is perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a special treat for yourself during the holiday season. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your Christmas table!
**Ciambella Al Limone Lemon Ring Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 2 lemons
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– ½ cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a standard bundt pan and set aside.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. **Prepare Lemon Sugar:** In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until it becomes fragrant and well incorporated.
4. **Cream Butter and Lemon Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and lemon sugar mixture until light and fluffy.
5. **Incorporate Eggs:** Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. **Add Flavors:** Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice until thoroughly combined.
7. **Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk:** Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
8. **Bake the Cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool and Serve:** Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
10. **Enjoy the Flavors:** Slice the Ciambella Al Limone into generous portions and serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee. The bright citrus flavor of the lemon combined with the tender crumb of the cake will surely delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Italy to your holiday table.
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of this Ciambella Al Limone Lemon Ring Cake and create lasting memories with your loved ones this Christmas season. Whether it’s part of your holiday baking traditions or a new addition to your repertoire, this Italian classic is sure to bring joy and a little taste of sunshine to your festivities. Happy baking and Buon Natale!
