Italian Easter cake, also known as Colomba, is a delicious and traditional dessert that is enjoyed by many during the Easter holiday in Italy. This rich and flavorful cake is shaped in the form of a dove, symbolizing peace and rebirth. It is a staple in many Italian households and is a must-have for Easter celebrations. In this article, we will share a professional and well-organized recipe for Italian Easter cake Colomba, perfect for impressing your family and friends this holiday season.
Ingredients for Italian Easter Cake Colomba
For the dough:
The dough is the foundation of any good Colomba, and it is important to use the right ingredients to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 200g sugar
- 120g butter
- 3 eggs
- 60g candied orange peel
- 60g candied citron peel
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 1 orange, zest only
- 100ml milk
- 7g active dry yeast
- Pinch of salt
For the topping:
The topping of Colomba is what gives it its signature look and taste. Here are the ingredients you will need for the topping:
- 100g almonds, chopped
- 50g sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Step 1: Make the dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the dry ingredients. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted. Add the warm milk mixture to the dough and mix until well combined. Add in the candied orange and citron peels, lemon and orange zest, and yeast. Mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the dough
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a greased dove-shaped pan. If you do not have a dove-shaped pan, you can use a round cake pan and shape the dough into a dove by hand. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional hour.
Step 4: Make the topping
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped almonds, sugar, egg whites, and honey until well combined. Spread the topping over the surface of the dough, gently pressing it down to adhere to the dough.
Step 5: Bake the Colomba
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the Colomba for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy Your Italian Easter Cake Colomba
Once the Colomba has cooled, it is ready to be enjoyed with your loved ones during your Easter celebration. This traditional Italian dessert is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it. We hope you enjoy this professional and well-organized recipe for Italian Easter cake Colomba. Buona Pasqua!
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<h2>Ingredients for Italian Easter Cake Colomba</h2>
<h3>For the dough:</h3>
The dough is the foundation of any good Colomba, and it is important to use the right ingredients to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here are the ingredients you will need:
<ul>
<li><b>500g</b> all-purpose flour</li>
<li><b>200g</b> sugar</li>
<li><b>120g</b> butter</li>
<li><b>3</b> eggs</li>
<li><b>60g</b> candied orange peel</li>
<li><b>60g</b> candied citron peel</li>
<li><b>1</b> lemon, zest only</li>
<li><b>1</b> orange, zest only</li>
<li><b>100ml</b> milk</li>
<li><b>7g</b> active dry yeast</li>
<li><b>Pinch</b> of salt</li>
</ul>
<h3>For the topping:</h3>
The topping of Colomba is what gives it its signature look and taste. Here are the ingredients you will need for the topping:
<ul>
<li><b>100g</b> almonds, chopped</li>
<li><b>50g</b> sugar</li>
<li><b>2</b> egg whites</li>
<li><b>1</b> tablespoon honey</li>
</ul>
<h2>Instructions</h2>
<h3>Step 1: Make the dough</h3>
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the dry ingredients. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until the butter is melted. Add the warm milk mixture to the dough and mix until well combined. Add in the candied orange and citron peels, lemon and orange zest, and yeast. Mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.
<h3>Step 2: Knead the dough</h3>
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
<h3>Step 3: Shape the dough</h3>
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a greased dove-shaped pan. If you do not have a dove-shaped pan, you can use a round cake pan and shape the dough into a dove by hand. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise for an additional hour.
<h3>Step 4: Make the topping</h3>
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped almonds, sugar, egg whites, and honey until well combined. Spread the topping over the surface of the dough, gently pressing it down to adhere to the dough.
<h3>Step 5: Bake the Colomba</h3>
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the Colomba for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
<h2>Enjoy Your Italian Easter Cake Colomba</h2>
Once the Colomba has cooled, it is ready to be enjoyed with your loved ones during your Easter celebration. This traditional Italian dessert is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it. We hope you enjoy this professional and well-organized recipe for Italian Easter cake Colomba. Buona Pasqua!