Chombolini (Italian Anise Cake)

A festive Italian cake made with a flavorful blend of dates, walnuts, anise and lemon, this chombolini is a perfect dessert for any party.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 485 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups white sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ⅓ cup milk
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons anise extract
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 4 eggs, beaten
• ⅓ cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon shortening
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 drop lemon extract

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a fluted tube pan (such as Bundt®) with shortening and dust with flour.

Step 2

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.

Step 3

Mix sugar and butter in a bowl with a spoon until creamy. Mix in eggs.

Step 4

Combine orange juice and milk in a separate bowl; pour into the sugar mixture. Stir in the flour mixture, anise, and lemon extract until well combined. Fold in dates and walnuts. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until the top of the cake springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Transfer cake to a rack for final cooling, 15 to 25 minutes.