Us Brits love a hot cross bun, but the Italians have their own special treat at Easter time - say hello to the Colomba cake.

Also a sweet bake studded with juicy sultanas and candied orange peel, the Mediterranean cake however has more of a brioche texture.

In fact, it's pretty much like a panettone you see at Christmas.

Iced with a hazelnut glaze and decorated with almonds, each cake takes more than 20 hours to make.

It is traditionally served after an Easter meal with a glass of Prosecco.

With branches across Surrey and London, Italian restaurant chain Carluccio's will be selling Colomba in a range of sizes from its on-site shops this Easter.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a slice inside the restaurant with a freshly made coffee.

Colomba Tradizionale is traditionally served after an Easter meal with a glass of Prosecco

Taste test:

To begin with, the humble rustic bake looks appetizing and all you want to do is tear and (maybe) share.

The texture is as light as air yet leaves a rich buttery taste on your lips.

The dried fruit is juicy and intense and sends the most delicious spiced aromas into the air as soon as you take the wrapper off.

Colomba cake taste test

The hazelnut glaze and whole almonds on top not only create a crunch element to the otherwise soft treat, but a robust and natural nutty bite.

The luxurious loaf is comforting and delicate and goes ridiculously well with a steaming cup of silky coffee.

If you like panettone, you'll love this Easter cracker.

Where can I buy Colomba?

Available in Carluccio's stores nationwide or online at carluccios.com

Need help with your order? Email orders@carluccios.com or call Carluccio's on 020 3051 2564 (Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm)

The Italian Easter cake resembles panettone

How much do they cost?

  • Colomba Tradizionale (750g) - £14.95
  • Colomba Al Limoncello (950g) - £17.95
  • Colomba (300g) - £7.95

  • Colombina (100g) - £3.95

Colomba Tradizionale all wrapped up for Easter