When life gives you oranges, why stop at just juice? Embrace the vibrant flavor and sunshine brightness of oranges in a delightful dessert: orange cake. With its moist crumb and refreshing citrus notes, orange cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch, afternoon tea, or a special celebration. In this blog post, I’ll share with you a simple yet sensational recipe for baking a homemade orange cake that’s sure to impress your taste buds and brighten your day. Let’s dive into the world of citrus bliss and learn how to bake this irresistible orange cake!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. You can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and eggs until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the optional orange glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth and pourable.
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Garnish the cake with additional orange zest for a pop of color and extra citrus aroma.
Slice, serve, and savor the moist and flavorful goodness of your homemade orange cake!
With its sunny flavor and tender texture, homemade orange cake is a delightful treat that’s sure to brighten any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as the star dessert at your next gathering, this citrus-infused delight is bound to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible allure of homemade orange cake. Happy baking!