Orange and Olive Oil Cake

To prepare a delightful orange cake, we start by ensuring that the ingredients are fresh and of high quality. The first step is to wash the oranges well under a stream of cold water, using a special fruit brush. This will help remove impurities and wax from the skin. After washing them, we cut off the ends of the oranges and portion them into eight pieces each. Then, we put the orange slices in a food processor equipped with double blades. We process until we obtain a puree, keeping in mind that the texture will not be completely smooth due to the skin.

To improve the consistency of the puree, we add olive oil, which will provide a pleasant shine and make the mixture more homogeneous. Meanwhile, we preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare the round baking pan, which we line with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

In a generous bowl, we beat the eggs together with the sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar, using a mixer or a whisk. The mixture should become frothy and change color, achieving a light and airy texture. In another bowl, we combine the flour with baking soda and baking powder, ensuring they are well mixed.

When the eggs are close to the desired consistency, we gradually add, alternating, one tablespoon of the flour mixture and one tablespoon of the orange puree, gently mixing with a spatula to keep the air in the composition. Once everything is well incorporated, we pour the obtained mixture into the prepared pan and level it evenly.

The cake will bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, but it is essential to check with a toothpick if it is baked inside. When the toothpick comes out clean, we can remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

We serve the cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet taste and elegant presentation, or we can cover it with a dark chocolate glaze for an extra flavor. Regardless of the final choice, this orange cake will bring a touch of freshness and delight the taste buds. Enjoy!