Orange cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that brings the vibrant flavors of fresh oranges into a soft, moist cake. Perfect for any occasion, this cake combines the zestiness of oranges with a hint of vanilla and the richness of butter. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this delicious Orange Cake step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (from 2-3 oranges)
- Zest of one orange
- 1/2 cup nonfat yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, fresh orange juice, orange zest, yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
- Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, you can serve it as is or top it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of orange juice for extra sweetness and flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Butter: Ensure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the mixture to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor. Avoid using store-bought juice with added sugar.
- Yogurt: Nonfat yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I add other flavors? A: Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile, or mix in some poppy seeds or chocolate chips to the batter.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of Orange Cake, follow these modifications:
- Flour: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Sweetener: Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt.
Orange Cake is a vibrant and flavorful dessert that’s sure to brighten up any occasion. With its moist texture and zesty orange flavor, it’s a refreshing treat that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness that’s perfect for any celebration!
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