Good recipes have to be shared, as I always say but first time staying here. Hence, this easy peasy Orange cake recipe is a must.
Saturday afternoon, got friend’s little boy over for a play date. He is a good eater, so preparing something for the kiddos to snack would be a wise idea. Looking at our full basket of large oranges, it didn’t take me long to decide to use them to make something sweet but not that sweet, and its perfect for everyone’s afternoon tea time: Orange cake.
Orange Cake: A Refreshing and Easy Dessert to Bake at Home
When it comes to desserts, a plain vanilla or chocolate cake can be a bit too mundane for some. If you’re looking for something that’s both subtle in taste and refreshing to the palate, then an orange cake might just be what you need.
Oranges are well known for their delicious tanginess that is perfect to perk up your senses any time of the day. And if you’re into baking, using oranges in your cakes provides a whole new level of flavour profile that’s amazing.
In this blog post, we’ll share with you an easy-to-follow recipe for orange cake, guaranteed to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings without overwhelming your taste buds. But before diving into the recipe itself, let’s first delve a little deeper into the history of this fruit-flavoured indulgence.
The History of Orange Cake
While it’s safe to say that oranges have been around for far longer than recorded human history, it wasn’t until the late 17th century when they were first introduced as a cooking ingredient. This was thanks to the publication of cookbooks featuring orange marmalade made from Seville oranges being used as an accompaniment or filling in pastries.
It wasn’t long after that when bakers started incorporating oranges into their cakes. Cookbooks from the early 1900s featured recipes for everything from plain cakes with orange syrup poured over them to more elaborate sponges filled with cream and topped with candied orange peels.
Today, orange cakes come in various forms — from simple sponges brushed with orange-infused syrup to decadent layer cakes filled with creamy frosting and jam. One thing is certain though – the burst of citrusy flavour that only oranges can provide adds not just taste but also health benefits.
Why Health Enthusiasts Love Orange Cakes
If you’re trying to stay healthy, using oranges in your baking can be a great way to indulge without the guilt. Oranges contain antioxidants that help protect your cells from free radical damage caused by pollution and other external factors. They also have high levels of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and immune function.
Moreover, using almond flour rather than traditional wheat flour provides numerous health benefits as well. Almond flour is gluten-free, making it ideal for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. It’s also lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein than regular flour, which makes it ideal for individuals who are following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
As you can see, orange cake is no longer just about indulgence but also makes for a healthier alternative to traditional cakes. Now let’s get started on how you can make this delicious dessert at home.
The Recipe
You can find the recipe for our easy-to-follow homemade Orange Cake here below.
We’ll take you step-by-step through the process of combining simple ingredients like orange zest and juice, almond meal flour, eggs etc., to create an incredibly moist and flavourful cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
So whether you’re looking to incorporate more citrusy flavours into your baking repertoire or simply want to indulge without breaking your healthy habits – this Orange Cake recipe is definitely worth trying out!
Enjoy & have fun baking!
Orange Cake FAQs
What is an orange cake?
An orange cake is a type of cake that is flavored with orange juice and zest. It can be made with a variety of cake bases, such as butter cake or sponge cake, and can be frosted with icing or served plain.
Can I use a different type of juice or zest?
Yes, you can use other types of citrus juice or zest, such as lemon or lime, to flavor the cake. You can also use a combination of citrus juices and zests for a more complex flavor.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze the cake for up to three months.
Can I add any other ingredients to the cake?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the cake, such as poppy seeds or nuts, for added texture and flavor. You can also frost the cake with icing or whipped cream for added sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup Self-raising flour (sifted)
- 125 grams Butter (Melted)
- ¼ cup Milk (I used full fat but other types of milk are fine too)
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- ¾ cup caster sugar, (about 96 grams honestly, if the oranges are quite sweet, even 1/2cup can be sweet enough)
- ¼ cup orange juice (use the juice altogether with pulp, as it makes the cake more moist and richer in flavour)
- 1 pinch of orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a cake pan (I used a 23cm one) and preheat the oven at 180 degrees
- Combine ALL the ingredients in a large bowl and mix it well
- Transfer the orange cake mix into the cake pan
- Bake the orange cake for 35 minutes. To tell if it’s cooked, put a wooden stick into the cake and when comes out clean it’s done 🙂
- Take the orange cake out of the oven and cool it down on a wire rack before removing it from the pan.
- To serve sprinkle some icing sugar on the top and/or wiped cream on the side. Plus, a nice warm cuppa will make a perfect tea break with this delicous Orange cake!
