Italian > Italian Desserts

Ricotta and Lemon Ciambella Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Special equipment needed:
- 10-inch bundt pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Zester or grater

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.

8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

10. Once the cake is completely cool, dust it with powdered sugar.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cream cheese or cottage cheese.
- You can substitute the lemon juice and zest with orange juice and zest.

Variations:
- You can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
- You can add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it with the electric mixer.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar just before serving.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand or platter. You can also garnish it with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Garnishes:
Fresh berries, whipped cream, or lemon slices.

Pairings:
Coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, try baking it for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the cake. Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
Ciambella is a traditional Italian cake that is typically served for breakfast or as a snack. It is similar to a bundt cake but is typically less sweet and more dense.

Flavor profiles:
The ricotta and lemon ciambella has a light and fluffy texture with a tangy lemon flavor.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious breakfast or snack.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Citrusy, Tangy, Sweet, Creamy