Orange Cake

The first time I baked an Orange Cake was during a rainy afternoon at my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. The aroma of fresh oranges filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of sugar and flour. It was a moment of comfort and nostalgia, reminding me of summer days spent in her garden, picking oranges straight from the tree. I remember the joy on my family’s faces as they savored each slice of this moist, flavorful cake, each bite bursting with citrus goodness. Orange Cake has since become my go-to recipe for gatherings and celebrations, a delightful treat that brings everyone together. This cake is not just a dessert; it tells a story of love, family, and cherished memories that linger long after the last crumb has been devoured.

What Goes Into Orange Cake

The ingredients for this Orange Cake are simple yet packed with flavor. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the cake’s delightful taste and texture. The key players are fresh oranges, which provide the vibrant citrus flavor, and olive oil, which adds moisture and richness.

• Nonstick baking spray with flour: This ensures that your cake releases smoothly from the pan, giving you a perfect shape without sticking.
• 4 to 5 large naval oranges: The stars of this recipe, these juicy oranges are zested and juiced to infuse the cake with fresh citrus flavor.
• 3½ cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cake, providing structure and stability.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt: A touch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 5 large eggs: These are crucial for moisture and aeration, giving the cake its rich texture.
• 3 cups granulated white sugar: This sweetens the cake and helps achieve that desirable moistness.
• 1½ cups mild extra-virgin olive oil: It adds moisture and richness, making the cake tender and delicious.
• Powdered sugar, for sprinkling: This finishing touch adds a sweet, decorative element to your cake.

Recipe Steps for Orange Cake

Making this Orange Cake is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Follow these simple steps to achieve a cake that’s sure to impress. Let’s get started on creating this beautiful dessert!

1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven, and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Make sure no other racks are in the way, so the heat circulates evenly. Coat a 12-cup bundt or tube pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure your cake comes out perfectly.
2. Finely grate the zest of 3 of the oranges and squeeze the juice from 4 of them into a measuring cup. You should aim for about 1½ cups of juice. If you don’t have enough, squeeze the fifth orange. This fresh juice is key to the cake’s flavor.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This step helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the mixture.
4. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or using a handheld mixer in a large bowl, beat the eggs on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until well combined. Slowly add in the granulated white sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and pale yellow, which should take about 3 minutes.
5. Reduce the speed to low and begin adding the flour mixture and olive oil alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just a few wisps of flour remain visible. This method helps to create a light, airy batter.
6. Pour in the orange juice and zest, then whirl the mixture for a few seconds until the batter comes together smoothly. The batter should be velvety and lightly orange in color.
7. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top to ensure an even bake. Bake in the preheated oven until a cake tester comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, which should take about 1¼ hours. If the top begins to brown too much, lightly cover it with foil.
8. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool for 15 minutes. This cooling period allows the cake to set slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan.
9. After 15 minutes, turn the cake out onto the rack and allow it to cool completely. For the best flavor, place the cooled cake in a covered cake stand and let it sit overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and meld.
10. Just before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy each slice knowing it’s made with love!

Tips and Variations

There are countless ways to make your Orange Cake even more delightful! Here are some tips and variations that can enhance your baking experience.

• Storage: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for several days.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
• Pairing: Enjoy your Orange Cake with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
• Glazing: For a citrus glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice and drizzle over the cooled cake.
• Variations: Consider adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or swapping some flour for almond flour for a nutty flavor.

Accompaniments for Orange Cake

Serving a Orange Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to make your dessert experience even better:

• Coffee or Tea: A slice of Orange Cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or citrus slices to complement the cake’s flavor.
• Light Salads: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the sweetness of the cake, making for a refreshing meal.
• Brunch Delight: This cake shines at brunches, served alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
• Special Occasions: An excellent choice for birthdays or celebrations, this cake can be dressed up with festive decorations.
• Picnic Treat: Perfect for picnics, slice it into portable pieces that everyone can enjoy outdoors.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Orange Cake is truly a standout dessert that brings joy and flavor to any gathering. With its bright citrus notes and moist texture, it’s a cake that everyone will love. I encourage you to try making this delightful treat; it might just become a favorite in your household!

Orange Cake

The ultimate comfort food, Orange Cake is a moist, flavorful treat bursting with citrus goodness. Ideal for any occasion, this easy recipe will have your friends and family asking for seconds. Perfectly sweet and delightfully tender, it’s a dessert that will brighten your day!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 can Nonstick baking spray with flour
• 4 to 5 pieces Large naval oranges
• 3½ cups All-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons Baking powder
• 1¾ teaspoons Kosher salt
• 5 pieces Large eggs
• 3 cups Granulated white sugar
• 1½ cups Mild extra-virgin olive oil
• to taste sprinkle Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

 

• Position a rack in the middle of the oven, and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Make sure no other racks are in the way, so the heat circulates evenly. Coat a 12-cup bundt or tube pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure your cake comes out perfectly.
• Finely grate the zest of 3 of the oranges and squeeze the juice from 4 of them into a measuring cup. You should aim for about 1½ cups of juice. If you don’t have enough, squeeze the fifth orange. This fresh juice is key to the cake’s flavor.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This step helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the mixture.
• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or using a handheld mixer in a large bowl, beat the eggs on medium-high speed for about 1 minute until well combined. Slowly add in the granulated white sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and pale yellow, which should take about 3 minutes.
• Reduce the speed to low and begin adding the flour mixture and olive oil alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just a few wisps of flour remain visible. This method helps to create a light, airy batter.
• Pour in the orange juice and zest, then whirl the mixture for a few seconds until the batter comes together smoothly. The batter should be velvety and lightly orange in color.
• Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top to ensure an even bake. Bake in the preheated oven until a cake tester comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, which should take about 1¼ hours. If the top begins to brown too much, lightly cover it with foil.
• Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool for 15 minutes. This cooling period allows the cake to set slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan.
• After 15 minutes, turn the cake out onto the rack and allow it to cool completely. For the best flavor, place the cooled cake in a covered cake stand and let it sit overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and meld.
• Just before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy each slice knowing it’s made with love!

Notes

• Tip 1: Make sure to use a lightly-colored bundt pan. A dark one will turn out a cake that sticks and is unpleasantly brown.
• Tip 2: Since this cake only gets better with age, don't even think about taking a bite until the day after you make it, or even the day after that.

Keyword Citrus Dessert, easy cake recipe, moist cake recipe, Orange Cake

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.