How to Prepare a Quick Easter Colomba Cake
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Recipe Overview
Overview
The Quick Easter Colomba Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian Easter bread. This recipe simplifies the process while maintaining the essence of the original, making it accessible for home bakers. The use of almond glaze and candied orange not only adds flavor but also gives the cake a festive touch, perfect for Easter celebrations.
The preparation begins with a rich dough made from Manitoba flour, sugar, and fresh yeast, combined with aromatic flavorings like orange and lemon zest. The dough is worked until smooth, allowing it to rise and develop its characteristic texture. After a couple of hours, the dough is enriched with butter and eggs, which contribute to its moistness and richness.
One of the standout features of this cake is its unique shape, resembling a dove, which is symbolic of peace and is a traditional representation during Easter. The final touch comes with a creamy glaze made from hazelnuts and almonds, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
Baking at a controlled temperature ensures that the cake rises perfectly, resulting in a beautiful golden-brown exterior. This Quick Easter Colomba Cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a centerpiece for any festive gathering.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
In a stand mixer, pour manitoba flour, sugar, and fresh yeast, then add orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla seeds.
Start the mixer with the flat beater at low speed and slowly add water.
Once the dough has come together, switch to the hook and work the dough for about five minutes.
Add salt and work the dough for a few more minutes.
Transfer the dough onto a work surface, form a bowl, and leave it to mature at room temperature for about two hours.
After two hours, put the dough back in the mixer, add more manitoba flour, and start the hook at low speed.
Slowly pour in the beaten eggs and rum, then add butter one piece at a time, waiting for each to be absorbed.
Tip: This phase is very delicate, so take your time when incorporating the butter.
After adding the butter, incorporate candied fruit and raisins soaked in orange juice.
Transfer the dough onto a greased work surface.
Grease your hands with butter and fold the dough.
Put the dough back in the bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 90 minutes.
After rising, turn the dough out onto a greased work surface and divide it into two equal parts.
Work each piece to form a log.
Place the logs on the dove mold, one on top of the other, and let them rise for about two hours.
Blend together hazelnuts, almonds, and cane sugar for the glaze.
Transfer the mixture into a bowl and add corn starch.
Tip: Ensure the texture of the glaze is creamy, not liquid.
Pour the glaze on the dove with a rubber spatula and decorate it with coarse sugar and whole almonds.
Bake in a static oven at 160 degrees for 50 minutes.
Cover with foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
After all the kneading, rising, and glazing, the Easter dove is ready.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Nuts
→ Substitution: Sunflower Seed Butter
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Colomba cake is a traditional Italian Easter bread shaped like a dove, symbolizing peace.
- •The dough is enriched with butter and eggs, giving it a rich flavor and soft texture.
- •Candied fruits, particularly orange, are commonly added for a sweet and citrusy flavor.
- •The glaze made from nuts and sugar adds a crunchy texture and enhances the cake's appearance.
