Orange Cake

If you’re looking for a treat that brightens up any occasion, look no further than this orange cake! Bursting with fresh citrus flavor, it’s perfect for celebrations or a simple afternoon snack. With its moist texture and vibrant taste, this cake will impress your family and friends alike. Follow this easy recipe to create a stunning dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes 8 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving of this orange cake (1 slice) contains approximately 220 calories, 8g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. This is based on one serving size.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the orange juice and zest.
6. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this cake. Additionally, for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of regular milk.

Serving and Pairings

This orange cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also goes well with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover orange cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Cooking Mistakes

• Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture.
• Skipping the greasing of the pan may cause the cake to stick.
• Underbaking can leave the center gooey.
• Using old baking powder may result in a flat cake.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
• Experiment with adding chocolate chips for a unique twist.
• Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar if desired.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled juice in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% juice without added sugars.

How can I make this cake more citrusy?

You can increase the amount of orange zest or add a bit of lemon zest to enhance the citrus flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day in advance. Just store it properly to maintain freshness.

What frosting goes well with orange cake?

A light cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice pairs wonderfully with orange cake.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! The orange cake can be frozen for up to three months. Just wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

This orange cake is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. With its rich citrus flavor and moist texture, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed alone with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today and savor the taste of sunshine!

Orange Cake

A delightful orange cake bursting with fresh citrus flavor, perfect for any occasion.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: orange cake, citrus dessert, baking, sweet treats

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 220kcal

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the orange juice and zest.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g