This Orange Cake recipe is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of citrus freshness with every bite. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon tea or a festive gathering, this cake combines the tanginess of oranges with a soft, moist texture. Its vibrant flavor is complemented by a delicate sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser. The cake is simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients, and yet the results are sure to impress your guests. With the fragrant zest and freshly squeezed juice of oranges, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or glaze
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the mixture is fully incorporated before adding the next egg.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest, ensuring the citrus flavor infuses into the batter.
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter and egg mixture in three parts, alternating with the orange juice and sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake toward the end to prevent overbaking.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple orange glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. For the glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp fresh orange juice until smooth and pour over the cake.
- Slice and serve your delightful orange cake with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the refreshing citrus flavor with every bite!
Conclusion: This Orange Cake recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, offering a refreshing twist on traditional cake recipes. Its simple preparation process and minimal ingredients make it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced bakers. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or enjoy it as a treat for yourself, this orange-infused dessert is sure to brighten up any day.