Orange Cake (2)

Orange Cake - A Fruity Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn't love a fragrant cake filled with the fresh taste of oranges? This orange cake, which started as a tart but transformed into a wonderful cake, is a perfect dessert for any occasion. It's simple to make, and the combination of flavors is sure to win everyone's hearts. Let's discover together the steps to achieve this delight!

Necessary ingredients

*For the base:*
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 small yogurt (approximately 150 g)
- 50 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Grated zest of one orange
- 1 vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt

*For the cream:*
- 500 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 150 g sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2-3 oranges (for decoration and filling)
- 1 packet of gelatin for tarts
- 1 vanilla essence

A bit of history

Orange cake is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation. Its origins can be found in various cultures, where oranges are a symbol of freshness and joy. This cake is often associated with holidays and family gatherings, becoming a favorite dessert due to its vibrant taste and unmistakable aroma.

Step by step - Preparation guide

1. Preparing the base

Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This is an essential step to ensure even baking of the cake.

In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step will help prevent lumps in the mixture and add air, making the base fluffier.

In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This will give the cake a light and airy texture. Add the yogurt, oil, a pinch of salt, and the vanilla essence, mixing well.

Now, add the wet mixture over the flour, along with the grated orange zest. Mix everything with a spatula until you obtain a homogeneous mixture, but do not overmix to avoid making the base too dense.

Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan (approximately 24 cm in diameter). Bake the cake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the base cool completely on a rack.

2. Preparing the cream

In a pot, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy. Gradually add the flour and milk, continuously mixing to avoid lumps. This cream will be the base for the filling.

Place the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. When the milk starts to boil, dissolve the cornstarch in a little cold milk and add it to the pot. Continue stirring until the cream thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and add the vanilla essence.

Cover the cream with plastic wrap, ensuring that the wrap is in direct contact with the surface of the cream to prevent a crust from forming. Let it cool completely.

3. Assembling the cake

Once the base has cooled completely, spread the cream evenly over it. Meanwhile, peel the oranges, slicing them thinly. Arrange the orange slices evenly over the vanilla cream.

Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the package and carefully pour it over the oranges. This will help stabilize the cake and add an appetizing shine.

4. Cooling and serving

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours to set well. When you're ready to serve, you can decorate the cake with extra orange slices or fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Useful tips:

- Dairy-free option: If you want a vegan version, you can replace the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and the eggs with a flaxseed egg substitute.
- Sweetness of oranges: Choose juicy, sweet oranges for a more intense flavor.
- Serving: The cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce for a decadent experience.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like strawberries or peaches for a cake with different flavors.

2. How long can it be stored?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

3. How can I make the cream fluffier?
You can add a bit of whipped cream to the cream after it has cooled completely for a more airy texture.

4. What drinks pair well with this cake?
A citrus tea or a sweet white wine is the perfect choice to complement this dessert.

Nutritional benefits

This orange cake is a good source of vitamin C due to the fresh fruits, and the yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion. Additionally, it is a relatively light cake with moderate calorie content due to the simple and natural ingredients.

Whether you serve it at a birthday or just to treat yourself, this orange cake is definitely a dessert that will leave a lasting impression. Enjoy every bite and savor its delicious flavors!