Orange cake

Orange cake: a delicious recipe, full of flavor and aroma, perfect for any occasion! This quick dessert is not only easy to prepare, but also an excellent way to bring a touch of freshness to your kitchen. Let's venture together into making this fragrant cake, packed with vitamins and good vibes!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 2-3 large, fresh oranges
- 4 eggs
- 300-400 g sugar (depending on preferences)
- 300 g flour
- 50 ml oil (you can use sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- essences (optional, vanilla or rum essence)
- 100 g raisins (optional, but recommended for an interesting texture)

History and context:
The orange cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, representing a symbol of hospitality and sweetness cooked with love. This dessert has often been served at festive meals, with a flavor that evokes pleasant memories and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Oranges, with their fresh and invigorating aroma, add a boost of vitality and joie de vivre, transforming a simple cake into a memorable culinary experience.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Wash the oranges well, ensuring they are fresh and juicy. Cut two of them into quarters and keep the third for decoration or for fresh juice.

2. Blending the oranges:
Put the orange pieces in a blender and mix until they become a fine paste. This base will bring an intense flavor and a moist texture to your cake.

3. Adding wet ingredients:
In the bowl with the orange puree, add the yolks from the 4 eggs, 50 ml of oil, and the sugar. Mix everything until well combined. If desired, you can add the vanilla or rum essence now to enhance the flavor.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps and achieve a fluffy cake. Add the orange mixture and gently mix with a spatula or whisk until combined. If you choose to add raisins, now is the time to incorporate them.

5. Preparing the egg whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. It is important that the bowl and utensils are clean and dry to achieve good foam. Beat the egg whites until they become firm and glossy.

6. Combining the mixtures:
Gradually add the beaten egg whites to the orange mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing the incorporated air. This will give the cake a fluffy and airy texture.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Grease a cake pan with a little oil and dust it with flour (or parchment paper) to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can decorate it with orange slices and a little powdered sugar for an attractive appearance.

9. Serving suggestions:
This orange cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. You can serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of vitamin C due to the oranges, and using olive oil can add healthy fats for the heart. It is a healthier choice compared to many other desserts, having a moderate sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace sugar with a natural sweetener?
Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or an artificial sweetener, but adjust the amount according to taste.

- How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature, or freezing it.

- Can I use other fruits?
Of course! This cake can be adapted with other fruits, such as lemons, apples, or even bananas, to explore different flavors.

Possible variations:
For a more exotic flavor, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also add chopped nuts for an extra crunch.

In conclusion, the orange cake is an easy and versatile dessert that can turn any meal into a celebration of taste. I encourage you to try it and personalize it according to your preferences. Enjoy!