Classic Italian Ciambellone

Ingredients

All-purpose flour

3 cups

Baking powder

1 tablespoon

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Sugar

1 1/2 cups

Eggs

4, large

Milk

1 cup

Vegetable oil

1 cup

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon

Lemon zest

zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan thoroughly with butter and dust it with flour, shaking out the excess.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until they become light and creamy. This process is essential for a fluffy and moist cake.
4. Gradually add the milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the egg-sugar mixture, ensuring to mix well after each addition.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the flour is absorbed. Avoid overmixing as it can result in a dense cake.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. A gentle tap on the pan should release the cake easily.