Zesty Orange Sunshine Cake Recipe

Zesty Orange Sunshine Cake Recipe

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A moist and flavorful orange cake, perfect for any occasion. Bursting with fresh orange zest and juice, this cake is a delightful treat that will brighten your day.

Ingredients:

  • For the Cake:
    • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt  
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
    • 3 large eggs  
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
    • 2 tablespoons orange zest
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 3-4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
    • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs:
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
    • In a seperate small bowl, combine the buttermilk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, and the wet ingredients in halves. Mix until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
  7. Bake:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool:
    • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. 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 needed to reach desired consistency.
  10. Glaze the Cake (Optional):
    • Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top.
  11. Serve:
    • Slice and enjoy your Zesty Orange Sunshine Cake!

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