A moist and flavorful orange cake, perfect for any occasion. Bursting with fresh orange zest and juice, this cake is sure to brighten your day.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2-3 oranges)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the orange juice, orange zest, milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
- Add more orange juice if the glaze is too thick.
- Glaze the Cake (Optional):
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top.
- Serve:
- Slice and enjoy your Zesty Orange Sunshine Cake!