What is the story of the (Italian) Colomba Cake?

Courtesy of: Guerrino - www.guerrino.it

Once you see the iconic dove-shaped cake, you’ll know what we mean. With its Easter roots and symbolizing peace, the Italian Colomba cake is equally rich in flavor and history.

What is the history of the Colomba cake?

If you’ve ever heard of the Christmas Panettone cake, this Colomba cake is the traditional Easter counterpart. Shaped like a dove and symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit, it holds religious meaning—but also carries an interesting story.

A particular legend dates back to the battle of Legnano, which took place around 1176. It’s said that two doves perched on the insignia at the time represented peace, which inspired the creation of Colomba and its dove-shaped loaves.

The Milanese baker and businessman Angelo Motta commercialized Colomba in the 1930s, officially making it the Easter counterpart of the Christmas Panettone cake. This allowed for the widespread enjoyment of Colomba, which continues to this day.

For those of you looking to participate in the festivities: this year, Easter Sunday falls on April 20, 2025.

What are the ingredients in this cake?

These are the ingredients of the traditional Colomba cake:

• Flour

• Eggs

• Sugar

• Butter

• Natural yeast (also known as sourdough starter)

• Candied orange peel

• Toppings: pearl sugar, almonds, etc.

All of these make for a sweetened, crunchy crust and a soft dough.

What is the recipe?

While preparing a traditional Colomba cake can be a long endeavor, we’ve adapted a simplified version for you to try. Here are the steps below:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all-purpose flour

• 2¼ tsp instant yeast

• ½ cup warm milk

• ½ cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 egg yolk

• ½ cup softened butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp orange zest

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup candied orange peel

For the toppings:

• 1 egg white

• ¼ cup almond flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• 10-15 whole almonds

• Pearl sugar

Recipe:

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let sit until foamy (around 5 minutes)

2. Whisk the sugar, eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

3. Gradually add the flour and mix until combined.

4. Add softened butter gradually while kneading the dough.

5. Knead for around 10 minutes until the dough is smooth.

6. Fold in the candied orange peel.

7. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1.5-2 hours until it is doubled in size.

8. Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions. Shape the first portion into the body of a dove and the other portion into the wings. Position them likewise.

9. Cover and let the dough rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour until it is puffy.

10. Whisk together the egg white, almond flour, and sugar to form a paste.

11. Spread this mixture over the risen dough.

12. Sprinkle the dough with almonds and pearl sugar.

13. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

14. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

15. Let cool and enjoy!

We hope you enjoy your Colomba cake this Easter season! Nothing quite like celebrating a holiday with a cake that represents peace and unity.