Orange cake is a delightful dessert that combines the refreshing and tangy flavor of oranges with the soft and moist texture of a homemade cake. This citrusy treat is incredibly popular due to its vibrant color, natural sweetness, and versatility. Perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to special celebrations, it’s a simple yet elegant dessert that brightens up any occasion. The use of fresh oranges gives the cake a light, tangy zing that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake. Whether you’re making it for an afternoon tea or a birthday party, this orange cake will definitely become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make a delicious orange cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 large eggs
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1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 medium oranges)
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Zest of 2 oranges
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½ cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: ½ cup sour cream or yogurt (for a moister texture)
Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions:
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
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Dairy-Free: Replace butter with dairy-free margarine and use almond or soy milk.
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Vegan: Use flax eggs and dairy-free alternatives for milk and butter.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes) using an electric mixer or hand whisk. -
Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. -
Incorporate the Orange Juice & Zest
Stir in the fresh orange juice and zest, mixing until fully combined. -
Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. -
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Use Fresh Orange Juice: For the best flavor, always use fresh oranges rather than bottled juice. Fresh juice offers a stronger, more authentic orange taste.
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best texture.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Stir the batter until just combined to ensure a light, airy texture.
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Test the Cake’s Doneness: The cake should spring back when lightly pressed in the center and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Variations and Customizations
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Orange Almond Cake: Add 1 cup of ground almonds to the batter for a nutty twist.
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Glazed Orange Cake: For an extra burst of flavor, make a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and pour it over the cooled cake.
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Orange-Lemon Fusion: Mix in the zest of one lemon along with the orange zest for a delightful citrusy combination.
Dietary Alternatives:
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Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
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Low-Carb Option: Swap the flour with almond flour and use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Serving Suggestions
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Presentation: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with orange glaze. Garnish with fresh orange slices or zest for an extra pop of color.
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Pairings: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 slice) of this orange cake contains approximately:
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 3g
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Carbs: 42g
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Fat: 16g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 28g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
While fresh juice provides the best flavor, bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s 100% orange juice with no added sugar. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. -
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Closing Thoughts
Orange cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that brings a burst of freshness to your table. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake will never disappoint. Experiment with different variations and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!
