Cake

Vanilla and Orange Zest Cake: A Fragrant Indulgence

When it comes to desserts that bring smiles to the faces of loved ones, cake holds a special place in many hearts. This vanilla and orange zest cake recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors that will delight your senses. Whether you serve it at a special meal or simply as an everyday snack, this cake will surely become a staple recipe in your household.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
- 500 g self-raising flour
- 250 g butter or margarine
- 440 g sugar
- 360 ml milk
- 4-5 eggs (depending on their size)
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter or margarine is at room temperature for easier melting. If you want to add a touch of creativity, you can use vanilla-flavored butter to enhance the cake's taste. Also, prepare the baking pans by greasing them with butter or margarine to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melting the butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over low heat, being careful not to burn it. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave, but make sure to check it every 30 seconds to avoid overheating.

Step 3: Mixing the wet ingredients
Once the butter has melted, add the sugar and whisk for 1 minute until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the eggs, milk, vanilla, and orange zest. It’s easier to have a helper at this point, as the mixture needs to be constant to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Step 4: Combining the dry ingredients
After mixing the wet ingredients well, add the flour and rose water. Stir with a spatula or whisk until you achieve a smooth batter. The rose water will add a subtle and elegant aroma, but it can be omitted if you prefer a simpler taste.

Step 5: Baking
Evenly divide the batter into the two greased pans and place them in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Let the cakes bake for 1 hour. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack. You can serve them plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Serving suggestions
This fragrant cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. You can also accompany it with a cup of herbal tea or a strong espresso to contrast the sweetness of the dessert.

Cooking tips
- If you want to add a note of freshness, you can replace the orange zest with lemon zest or even a touch of grated ginger.
- Instead of rose water, you can use almond extract to add another dimension of flavor.

Nutritional information
Each serving of cake contains approximately 320 calories. It is rich in carbohydrates but also contains healthy fats from butter. It is an excellent choice to satisfy your sweet tooth, but consumed in moderation, it can also fit into a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use regular flour?
Yes, but you will need to add baking powder to give it volume.
2. Can I replace butter with oil?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Use canola or sunflower oil for the best results.
3. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
Wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Remember, cooking is an art form, and every recipe is an opportunity to express your creativity. I wish you great success in making this delicious vanilla and orange zest cake! Enjoy!