Orange cake

Orange Cake - A Refreshing Delight for Any Occasion

Who can resist a light, fragrant, and delicate orange cake? This cake recipe is not just a dessert; it's an experience that combines the refreshing flavors of oranges with the creamy texture of mascarpone, resulting in a true feast for the taste buds. Moreover, it’s a perfect recipe to add a touch of sunshine to your festive table or on ordinary days, being easy to prepare and extremely delicious.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including cooling)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

*For the Sponge:*
- 4 egg yolks
- 120g honey
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 4 egg whites
- 140g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

*For the Cream:*
- 1 egg yolk
- 75g honey
- 250g mascarpone
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 250ml vegetable cream

*For the Syrup:*
- Sugar (about 100g)
- Water (250ml)
- Rum essence (1-2 tablespoons)

*For the Glaze:*
- Orange slices for decoration
- 1 packet of cake gel (gelatin)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 250ml water

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Sponge:
Start by preparing the sponge. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with honey, orange juice, and orange zest. Place the bowl over a double boiler, ensuring that the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Whisk the mixture constantly until it becomes creamy and thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Helpful tips: Make sure the egg yolks are at room temperature for better incorporation.

2. Mixing the Ingredients:
Meanwhile, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula to avoid losing air. Incorporate the flour mixed with baking powder, stirring gently.

Unique detail: Use a silicone spatula to achieve a less dense sponge.

3. Baking the Sponge:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test. Allow the sponge to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Preparing the Syrup:
In a saucepan, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden. Add water and stir until completely dissolved. Let the syrup boil for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool. Add the rum essence and mix well.

5. Preparing the Cream:
In a bowl, mix the egg yolk with honey, then add mascarpone and lemon juice. Blend the mixture until creamy. In another bowl, whip the vegetable cream until firm and fold it into the mascarpone mixture.

Variation: You can also use other types of cheese (e.g., cottage cheese) for a different flavor.

6. Assembling the Cake:
Cut the sponge in half. In the pan where it was baked, place one half of the sponge, generously soak it, then add a layer of cream. Place the other half of the sponge, soak it again, and spread the remaining cream on top.

7. Decorating:
Place the orange slices on top of the cake. Prepare the jelly according to the package instructions, mixing the gelatin with sugar and water. Pour the jelly over the orange slices and refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour.

8. Finalizing the Cake:
Once the cake is well set, remove it from the mold and spread the edges with the 5 tablespoons of cream you saved.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the orange cake well chilled, alongside a cup of green tea or fresh lemonade. It is a perfect dessert for a party, but also for a Sunday family meal.

Nutritional Information:
One serving (approximately 100g) of orange cake contains about 350 calories, 12g of fat, 50g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. This recipe offers a good dose of vitamins C and A, due to the oranges and lemons used, making it a delicious and nutritious choice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other citrus fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with lemons or grapefruits for a different flavor.

2. How can I prevent the sponge from becoming dry?
Make sure not to bake the sponge too long and soak it well.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add the orange glaze before freezing.

This orange cake recipe is not only easy to make but also very versatile, allowing you to add your personal touch through various variations. Whether you choose to serve it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, the orange cake will always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!