Colomba Easter Cake

Italians celebrate with food and the Colomba cake is the quintessential Italian Easter cake. This fragrant, fruit studded, dove shaped cake (colomba means dove in Italian) is an Italian rite of spring. The dove shape symbolizes the sign of peace and renewal. No traditional Italian Easter meal would be without one.

Our Colomba Cake is considered by many to be the finest. This natural rising cake (made from a mother starter and fermented over days) is made without commercial yeast.. It is the natural fermentation which makes possible the miraculous keeping qualities of this soft, sweet cake and make it one of the triumphs of the Italian bakers art. Made from the noblest ingredients; without preservatives or artificial ingredients of any kind. Rich in eggs and butter this soft fragrant cake is infused with the finest candied fruits, raisins and blooms with a beautiful sweet aroma. The crowning touch on this masterpiece is the baked on hazelnut and almond icing (la Glassa), which adds a sweet crisp outer shell to the soft cake within.

The history of the Italian Easter Colomba cake can be traced to medieval times, a barbarian siege of the City of Pavia, later Fedreick Barbarosa even makes an appearance into its history! However, this noble history is merely the romantic ledged behind what is the accomplishment of 20th century Italian bakers. Their genius was to embrace the advances in baking science without ever loosing their way, without ever forgetting that it is whole ingredients and traditional methods which make this cake so delicious and possible.

Serving suggestions: This rich cake really needs nothing to accompany it except a beverage (sparkling white wines are our personal favorites) but certainly coffees and teas are a good compliment. Some prefer to serve this cake with a cream or custard as a partner on a plate, and they certainly add a gilded touch. We have found that simply cut into wedges served at room temperature is ideal.

Storage: This cake has remarkable keeping qualities and has a best by date on the bottom. It is best maintained in a cool dark spot. Refrigeration and Freezing are STRONGLY discouraged as that can destroy the eating and keeping qualities of this cake.

Welcome to a place at our table. The Di Camillo Family