Irresistible Orange Cake Recipe Simple Steps for Baking Bliss

Did you know that over 80% of bakers believe using fresh oranges in their recipes elevates the flavor of baked goods significantly? If you’re one of those who think that a bottled orange extract can’t be beaten for convenience, prepare to change your tune. This Orange Cake recipe will prove that fresh, vibrant oranges are the secret ingredient for creating irresistible sweetness and delightful fragrance. Join me as we explore how to make this show-stopping Orange Cake that boasts a rich citrus flavor and a soft, moist crumb.

Ingredients List

Timing

The total time to prepare and bake this Orange Cake is approximately 90 minutes, which is about 20% less time than the average cake recipe. Here’s the breakdown:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Baking time: 30 minutes
• Cooling time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will not only ensure even baking but also help in creating a beautifully risen cake.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pan

Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures a fluffy texture.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, making your cake delightfully airy.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure they are fully incorporated before moving on to the next.

Step 6: Incorporate Orange Juice and Zest

Mix in the fresh orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined. The refreshing scent of the orange will make this step a delight!

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough orange juice to create a pourable glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake. Let it set for a few minutes before serving.

Nutritional Value / Health Benefits

This Orange Cake is not only delicious but also offers some health benefits. The oranges provide essential vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is known for boosting the immune system. Moreover, this cake contains natural sugars rather than refined ones, making it a slightly healthier option.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To maintain the delightful flavor while maximizing nutritional benefits, consider the following alternatives:

• Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to boost protein and healthy fats.
• Opt for coconut sugar instead of regular sugar to lower the glycemic index.
• Use applesauce or mashed bananas instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free option.
• Substitute flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for traditional eggs to make the cake vegan.

Serving Suggestions

This Orange Cake is versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serve alongside freshly sliced oranges for added freshness and presentation.
• Pair with a lightly brewed cup of green tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or nuts on top for texture and flavor contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake; mix until just combined.
• Using cold ingredients, such as butter or eggs, can affect the cake’s texture. Let them come to room temperature before starting.
• Baking the cake for too long can result in dryness; keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
• Not adequately greasing or lining the pan can cause sticking, making it difficult to remove the cake.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Orange Cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.
• This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• If you plan to freeze it, slice the cake and wrap each piece individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months frozen.

Conclusion

The Orange Cake is a fantastic recipe that combines refreshing citrus flavors with a moist cake texture, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this delightful dessert today and share your experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tasty recipes and tips!

FAQs

A: Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While bottled orange juice is convenient, using fresh-squeezed orange juice provides a vibrant flavor that elevates this cake significantly. It is highly recommended for the best taste.

B: How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free Orange Cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend such as almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free baking mix which usually works well for such recipes.

C: What can I do if my cake is too dense?

If your Orange Cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature and being careful with your mixing will enhance the fluffiness.

D: Can I add other flavors to the cake?

Absolutely! You can incorporate flavors like almond extract, or even add poppy seeds or walnuts for texture. Just be mindful of balancing flavors so that the orange remains prominent.

Irresistible Orange Cake Recipe Simple Steps for Baking Bliss

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• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the bliss of baking with this simple orange cake recipe Elevate your dessert game with delicious flavors and easy steps

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups of all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup of unsalted butter (at room temperature)

1 cup of sugar

3 large eggs

1/2 cup of fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon of zest of 2 oranges

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 cup of powdered sugar (for glaze)

2–3 tablespoons of additional fresh orange juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Mix in the fresh orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the cake in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough orange juice to create a pourable glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake and let it set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

A rich and moist orange cake made with fresh oranges for an irresistible sweetness and delightful fragrance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 servings
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 19g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Keywords: orange cake, cake recipe, dessert recipes, citrus cake