Coffee Bundt Cake

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PRESENTATION

Ciambella al caffè, man, it's the kind of coffee-flavored cake that just makes Italian tables shine—especially when folks want something special for breakfast or a sweet little afternoon treat. Really good stuff. This Italian coffee cake is unique, you know, 'cause it's bursting with that aromatic coffee scent, yet it’s not too heavy. Just a moist, simple ring cake with a nice crumb. And the simplicity? Italians love it. Seriously. Just a few basic ingredients, nothing fancy, but it hits you with a really really satisfying flavor. Perfect with a mug of hot milk or a dollop of mascarpone cream. I mean, kids can enjoy their own version too by using barley coffee instead of the real stuff—so everyone can have a slice. Some folks like adding a coffee glaze, giving the cake a slightly sweet finish and a look worthy of a pastry shop. For sure, it’s reminiscent of other classics like torta all’acqua al caffè or ciambella tiramisù, but with its own easy, homey vibe—feels just right for everyday moments.

And look, unlike those fancier layered desserts, this coffee cake recipe keeps it simple yet flavorful. Pretty simple. The tender bite and that golden crust around the edge—it's hard to resist when it’s still a little warm from the oven. Italians often slice off a wedge for merenda, which is great, maybe even dipping it in their coffee or milk for extra moist goodness. No question, it's no wonder this cake is a staple for homemade baking enthusiasts. You don’t need to fuss with complicated steps or lots of equipment—just mix, bake, enjoy. Whether you’re new to baking or just love the taste of a good homemade coffee cake, ciambella al caffè fits right in with other traditional Italian cake favorites. Plus, if you wanna make it a bit fancier, that shiny coffee glaze—borrowed from cupcake recipes—is a cool way to finish it off. Honestly, this is the kind of cake that feels like a small everyday treat but still brings a touch of cozy Italian flavor to your table.

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INGREDIENTS

Ingredients (for a 9-inch diameter pan)
Type 00 flour 4 cups (500 g)
Sugar 1 ½ cup (300 g)
Butter 1.1 cups (250 g)
Whole milk 1 cup (250 ml)
Instant coffee 20 tbsp (100 g)
Eggs 5 - medium
Baking powder 1 bag
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Fine salt 1 pinch
For greasing and flouring the pan
Butter to taste
Type 00 flour to taste
For dusting
Powdered sugar to taste - (optional)
Preparation

How to prepare Coffee Bundt Cake

To prepare the coffee bundt cake, start by pouring the granulated sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer, add the room temperature butter cut into pieces 1. Turn on the beaters at medium-high speed to whip the ingredients until you get a light and frothy mixture 2. Then add the eggs one at a time, continuing to run the beaters 3.

When you have well-mixed all the eggs and obtained a smooth and homogeneous mixture, reduce the speed of the beaters and proceed to sift the flour 4, and the baking powder 5 collecting them together in a small bowl. Then reposition the beaters to the initial speed and gradually pour the sifted powders, using a spoon 6, then also add the vanilla extract or the seeds of a vanilla bean.

Once you have incorporated and mixed the ingredients well, you can proceed to dissolve the instant coffee in room temperature or slightly warmed milk 7. Stir with a teaspoon until the coffee is completely dissolved, then incorporate it gradually into the rest of the mixture in the stand mixer 8. Mix everything, continuing to run the beaters until you obtain a thick and homogeneous mixture. Then grease and flour a 9-inch diameter and 4-inch deep bundt pan and pour the mixture inside 9, leveling it with the help of a spatula. Place the cake to bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for 50 minutes (if using a convection oven, 320°F for 40-45 minutes).

After the indicated time, check the cake's doneness by performing the toothpick test: if after inserting it into the batter it comes out dry, the coffee bundt cake is ready to be removed from the oven 10. Once completely cooled at room temperature, flip it onto a wire rack 11 and dust it with powdered sugar; then place it on a serving plate or cake stand, and your coffee bundt cake 12 is ready to sweeten every moment of your day!

Storage

You can store the coffee bundt cake for 3-4 days under a glass dome.
Freezing is not recommended.

Advice

If you are a coffee lover, the bold taste of this cake will satisfy you, but if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of instant coffee. If, instead, you want to serve the bundt cake to children, you can use barley coffee (still instant), and – why not – add some dark chocolate flakes!

Tips and curiosities

• Can I replace instant coffee with coffee from a moka pot?

You can try replacing the instant coffee and part of the milk with coffee from a moka pot, ensuring you recalibrate the dosages to achieve the right consistency of the batter.

• What can I use instead of coffee to serve the bundt cake to children?

Try using barley coffee as an alternative.

• I don't have a stand mixer, how can I make the batter?

You can use electric beaters.

• Is it essential to sift flour and baking powder?

Yes, it prevents lumps from forming in the batter.

• If I only have small eggs, how should I adjust the dosage?

You can weigh the eggs, keeping in mind that a medium egg weighs about 55-60 g.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.