Chombolini Italian Anise Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon anise extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon anise seeds, for topping
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, for glaze
• 2 tablespoons milk, for glaze

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, anise extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until fully combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and milk to make the glaze.
6. When the cake is done, let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack. Drizzle with the glaze and sprinkle with anise seeds. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

• Anise is a popular spice in many Mediterranean cuisines, including Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern.
• Chombolini is a traditional Italian anise-flavored cake that is served during the holidays.
• Anise seeds have a sweet, licorice-like flavor and are often used in baking.