Sweet Italian Holiday Bread

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 45 min.

Makes

1 loaf (20 pieces)

Updated: Nov. 09, 2022
This is authentic ciambellotto, a sweet loaf my great-grandmother used to bake in Italy. I still use her traditional recipe—the only update I made was for using modern appliances. —Denise Perrin, Vancouver, Washington
Sweet Italian Holiday Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup 2% milk
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, orange zest and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk and oil until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened.
  2. Shape into a 6-in. round loaf on a greased baking sheet. Brush top with egg yolk; sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Cover top loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes if needed to prevent overbrowning. Remove from pan to a wire rack; serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 197 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.