Delicious Italian Bologna Donut Recipe for Food Lovers
Embarking on a culinary adventure is a chance to discover the world of flavors, ingredients, and traditions. And what better way to do that than by exploring savory Italian cuisine? Italy has long been known for its culinary treasures, with each region boasting its own unique dishes and delicacies. Today, we will be revisiting the charming Emilia Romagna region, home to some of the best food in Italy.
Get ready to indulge in an irresistible Italian dessert, the Ciambella Bolognese. This traditional Bolognese recipe dates back to ancient times and is also known as the Bologna Donut or Brazadela Bolognese. Often baked for special occasions like Easter bread or enjoyed as an everyday treat, this cake recipe comes in many variations including Ciambella Mandorlata. And don’t worry; we have got you covered with our simple yet delicious recipe.
As you take your first bite into this soft, fluffy cake dusted with icing sugar, you’ll be transported to the heart of the Emilia Romagna region. With its lemony aroma and buttery texture, the Ciambella Bolognese will leave you wanting more. Whether you are an experienced chef or an amateur cook, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and will undoubtedly become a household favorite.
So why not indulge in some Italian flavour? Learn how to bake this classic Italian donut Ciambella Bolognese with me! Enjoy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old donuts? Would you like to indulge in a delicious Italian treat that will transport your taste buds to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy? Look no further than the Ciambella Bolognese, also known as the Italian Bologna Donut!
This bolognese recipe has been passed down for generations and is a traditional Italian cake recipe. Its texture is light, fluffy and it’s perfect for any time of day or occasion. With a hint of lemon, this donut ciambella boasts just the right amount of sweetness. And with the addition of icing sugar, it adds a beautiful touch to this already stunning dessert.
What makes this recipe unique is its connection to culinary treasures found only in the Emilia-Romagna region. It’s a perfect food pairing with traditional Italian wine and dishes like ragù alla bolognese or Brazadela Bolognese. It’s ideal for picnics, Easter celebrations, or as an everyday treat!
Not only does this Italian Bologna Donut taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry – cake flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, eggs, butter and lemon – you too can enjoy this mouth-watering Ciambella Bolognese right from home.
So go ahead and indulge in this delectable ciambella mandorlata Italian recipe. Relax and enjoy the authentic flavors of Italy at home with your loved ones!
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking, let’s go through the list of ingredients. For this Ciambella Bolognese recipe, you will need the following:
Dry Ingredients:
- 450g / 15.9 oz cake flour
- 16g / 0.56 oz baking powder
- 2g / 0.07 oz salt
- zest of 1 lemon
Wet Ingredients:
- 200g / 7.05 oz sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 75 ml / 2.5 fl oz milk
- 125g / 4.4 oz unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Garnish:
- 30g /1 oz icing sugar
All these ingredients are easily available and quite simple to work with in our recipe. Once you have them all gathered, it’s time to start creating the perfect Bologna Donut!
The Recipe How-To
Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients together, it’s time to start making your Italian Bologna Donut – Ciambella Bolognese! Follow the instructions below and you’ll have a decadent and delicious dessert in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 300 gr of cake flour, 150 gr of sugar, 15 gr of baking powder, and a pinch of salt until they are well combined.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients
Add 50 ml of milk, 3 large eggs, and 70 gr of melted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or an electric mixer to stir the mixture until it forms a smooth batter.
Step 4: Add flavors
Now it’s time to add some flair to your recipe! Grate the zest of half a lemon and incorporate it into the batter. Mix well to evenly distribute the lemon zest.
Step 5: Pour batter into mold
Grease a cake mold with butter and then pour in your batter.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t overcook or burn on top.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Remove from oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from mold. Once completely cool, dust generously with icing sugar.
That’s it! Your Italian Bologna Donut – Ciambella Bolognese is ready! Serve it up at your next gathering or indulge in it yourself as a sweet treat.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Ciambella Bolognese, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to make. Here are a few options you can try:
– Flour: If you don’t have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead. However, the texture of the donut may be slightly different.
– Sweeteners: You can experiment with different sweeteners if you like. Some people use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar. You could also try using brown sugar for a slightly deeper flavor.
– Lemon: If you don’t have a fresh lemon on hand, you can substitute it with bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice will always yield the best flavor.
– Milk: Whole milk works best in this recipe, but you can also use low-fat or almond milk if preferred.
– Nutella: If you want to add a twist to your Bologna Donuts Ciambella recipe, you can add Nutella into your batter. Add in 2 tablespoons of Nutella into your batter mixture for an irresistible hazelnut and chocolatey taste.
Remember that every substitution and variation will slightly change the flavor and texture of the Ciambella Bolognese. So be creative and experiment with different ingredients!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve baked your Ciambella Bolognese – the Italian Bologna Donut – it’s time to serve and pair it with the perfect accompaniments. This cake-like donut can be served for breakfast or as a light snack, making it a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
For breakfast, sprinkle some icing sugar over the top of your Bologna Donut Ciambella and pair it with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the donut complements the bitterness of a good espresso, making for a truly authentic Italian morning experience.
As an afternoon snack, why not try spreading some Nutella over the top of your donut? The combination of hazelnuts and chocolate adds decadence to this traditional Italian recipe that’ll satisfy any sweet tooth.
If you’re serving this dish for dessert, try pairing it with a glass of traditional Italian wine. A light-bodied red wine like Chianti is an excellent choice to accompany the flavors of the Ciambella Bolognese. Another local favorite is Lambrusco, a slightly sparkling red wine produced in Emilia Romagna region where this recipe originates.
Alternatively, you can use this recipe as a base for a more elaborate dessert by splitting the Ciambella in half and filling it with whipped cream or custard. Serve it alongside fresh fruit for extra flavor and crunch.
Regardless of how you choose to enjoy your Ciambella Bolognese – as breakfast, snack, or dessert – one thing is certain: this traditional Italian donut is best shared with friends and family!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ciambella Bolognese is best served fresh, but it can also be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption. The cake can stay fresh for up to four days when stored properly.
To store the ciambella bolognese, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store the cake at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If left at room temperature, ensure that it’s stored in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.
When it’s time to reheat the cake, turn on your oven to 325°F (160°C) and let it preheat. Once heated, place the cake on a baking sheet and warm through for 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can stack slices of the bologna donut and warm them into a microwave for about 20 seconds each slice.
However, make sure you don’t reheat the cake too many times as this might have a negative impact on its taste and texture.
If you prefer freezing ciambella bolognese, ensure to wrap it with plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container before storing. It can last for up to two months in the freezer this way. Before consuming, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the reheating instructions above.
With these tips, you can enjoy your delicious Bologna Donut Ciambella without worrying about its storage or quality!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s dive into some essential tips to achieve perfect results every time you make this Italian Bologna Donut recipe!
1. Melt the Butter and Cool It.
To ensure a light and fluffy texture, melt the butter before adding it to the cake flour mixture. Once melted, let the butter come to room temperature before adding it to prevent the dough from becoming greasy or dense.
2. Avoid Over-mixing.
Mix until just combined, and don’t overdo it! Over-mixing will produce an undesirable texture by creating gluten in the cake flour that causes toughness and chewiness.
3. Proper Measure of Flour
Make sure you are using cake flour for this recipe as it has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour. The lower protein content helps to create a lighter texture. For optimal results, sift the flour before measuring, as this aerates the flour and makes it less densely packed.
4. Pair It With The Perfect Beverage
Pair your freshly baked Italian Bologna Donut with an excellent cup of coffee or cappuccino or even a glass of Vin Santo or sweet wine like Moscato d’Asti.
5. Dust Icing Sugar Perfectly
Use a fine-mesh sieve or strainer when dusting icing sugar over your donut to achieve even coverage without clumps.
6. Substitute Nutella
If you are feeling adventurous and have some leftover Nutella in the pantry, use it as a substitute for icing sugar on top of your Italian Bologna Donut.
7. Wrap Tightly When Storing
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can reheat them from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for five minutes if you need them longer than three days ahead of time.
By following these tips, you are guaranteed a perfect, delicious Italian Bologna Donut every time you bake it!
Bottom Line
With its unique blend of flavors and textures, the Italian Bologna Donut (Ciambella Bolognese) is truly a culinary treasure of the Emilia Romagna region. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and delight your taste buds. So go ahead and give it a try!
And if you want to take things to the next level, consider pairing it with a traditional Italian wine or serving it with a dollop of Nutella for an extra touch of sweetness. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this delicious treat for yourself.
Remember, food is not just about sustenance – it’s also about bringing people together and creating memories that last a lifetime. So why not make some new memories by trying out this Bolognese recipe? Trust me, you won’t regret it.
ITALIAN BOLOGNa DONUT (Ciambella Bolognese) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cake flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 large lemon, rind finely grated
- 70 g butter, soft
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons colored sprinkles
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
Instructions
- preheat oven to 180 Celsius line a small pizza tray with baking paper.
- in a large bowl, place the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and rind.
- rub in the butter.
- mix the egg with the milk then stir into the flour mix. this should make a soft but firm dough.
- tip onto a floured board, knead lightly then roll into a sausage, incorporating more flour as needed.
- place the sausage around the edge of the pizza tray joining the ends together.
- sprinkle heavily with the coloured sprinkles, patting them in lightly.
- cook for 25 - 30 minutes, should be lightly browned on top.
- remove from oven and immediately dust heavily with icing sugar. cool completely.
- can be served with jam or nutella as well as it is.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.