Cocoa and Chocolate Ciambella

The cocoa and chocolate ciambella is a classic treat that wins over both adults and children. Here is an Italian variation of this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

• 200 g of type 00 flour
• 50 g of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 200 g of sugar
• 100 g of soft butter
• 100 g of dark chocolate
• 3 medium eggs
• 150 ml of milk
• 1 packet of baking powder for sweets (about 16 g)
• 1 pinch of salt
• Icing sugar (for decoration)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and butter and flour a ciambella mold.

2. Sift the flour with the cocoa powder and baking powder into a bowl.

3. In another bowl, cream the soft butter with the sugar until you have a smooth mixture.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to mix to incorporate them well into the mixture.

5. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, making sure not to burn it. Let it cool slightly.

6. Pour the melted chocolate into the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture, and mix well.

7. Alternating, add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour.

8. Add a pinch of salt and gently mix until all ingredients are combined, but do not over-mix the batter.

9. Pour the batter into the prepared mold and level the surface with a spatula.

10. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of the ciambella comes out clean.

11. Let the ciambella cool in the mold for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

12. Before serving, dust the ciambella with icing sugar.

Trivia

The ciambella, or ciambellone, has ancient origins and can be found in many Italian regional variations. In the North, simpler and “butterier” versions are preferred, while in the South they are often enriched with citrus fruits and ricotta. The cocoa and chocolate version is a more modern and definitely delicious variant that appeals to all lovers of the intense flavors of cocoa and chocolate.