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colomba recipe

Easy Italian Easter Colomba – Quick Homemade Version

Barbara Felicità Lucchini
This easy colomba recipe lets you make the traditional Italian Easter cake at home without the long rising times. In Italy, the Colomba is one of the most beloved Easter desserts, together with Pastiera Napoletana and chocolate Easter eggs. Here is an easy recipe for Colomba di Pasqua, the classic Italian dove cake decorated with almonds and pearl sugar.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course cake, Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 10
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

FOR THE DOUGH

  • 3 large eggs
  • 500 g "00" flour or all-purpose flour - 3 ⅓ cup
  • 110 g sunflower oil - ½ cup
  • 180 g whole milk - ¾ cup
  • 150 g granulated sugar - ¾ cup
  • 1 organic lemon zest
  • 1 organic orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon honey or malt
  • 80 g candied orange peel - ½ cup
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 16 g baking powder - 4 teaspoons

THE GLAZE

  • 50 g almond flour - ~½ cup
  • 80 g powdered sugar - ~⅔ cup
  • 2 egg whites

FOR DECORATION

  • 2 tablespoons raw whole almonds
  • 2 tablespoons pearl sugar

Instructions
 

MAKE THE DOUGH

  • Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Place them in two separate bowls. Using an electric whisk, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set them aside for later.
  • In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, light and fluffy. A stand mixer works best for this step and makes the process much easier.
  • Add the grated zest of the orange and lemon, the honey (or malt) and the vanilla seeds. Mix well to evenly flavor the batter.
  • Continue mixing while slowly adding the sunflower oil and the milk. At this stage the mixture will become smooth and creamy.
  • Add the candied orange peel cut into small pieces. If you prefer, you can replace it with raisins, chocolate chips, or other ingredients
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder and sift them together. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter, mixing on low speed until you obtain a smooth and well blended colomba batter.
  • Finally, gently fold in the beaten egg whites using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix from the bottom upward so the batter stays light and airy.Pour the batter into the colomba mold and spread it evenly.

MAKE THE GLAZE

  • In a small bowl, mix the egg whites with the powdered sugar and almond flour until you get a thick cream. Spread the glaze over the surface of the batter. Decorate with whole almonds and pearl sugar.

BAKE

  • Bake the dove cake in a preheated conventional oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 40–45 minutes. If using a fan oven, bake at 170°C (338°F) for the same time.
    The cake is ready when the surface is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    Let this easy Colomba cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 78gProtein: 10gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 46mgPotassium: 185mgFiber: 3gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 134IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 3mg
Keyword easy colomba recipe
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