Orange cake

Orange Cake

A simple yet flavorful and colorful dessert, the orange cake is the perfect choice for a lazy afternoon or a special occasion. With a fluffy texture and fresh taste, this cake is a citrus explosion that will delight your senses.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients needed:

- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 3 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 ml of oil
- 150 ml of fresh orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 1 teaspoon of rose water
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- 30 g of almond flakes

For the syrup:

- 100 ml of orange juice
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar

Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help the mixture to homogenize better. I suggest using fresh oranges for the juice and zest, as the natural aroma is incomparable to store-bought juice.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Your mission is to achieve a light foam that changes color and becomes creamy. Continue mixing until the sugar granules are no longer felt.

3. Adding flavors: Now is the time to add the grated orange zest and rose water. The orange zest will enhance the aroma, while the rose water will add a delicate floral note.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This step is essential to prevent lumps in the mixture. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with eggs and sugar, alternating with the orange juice and oil. Mix gently until homogeneous.

5. Preparing the cocoa mixture: In another bowl, take a portion of the obtained dough (about one-third) and add the cocoa and grated ginger. Mix well until the cocoa is fully integrated.

6. Assembling in the mold: Prepare a bundt pan (with a diameter of 20 cm), greased with oil and sprinkled with flour. Pour the white mixture into the pan, then carefully add the cocoa mixture in the middle of the dough. This step will create a pleasant marbled effect.

7. Adding the almonds: Sprinkle the almond flakes on top of the dough and gently press them with the back of a spoon. This will prevent them from burning during baking and will add a crunchy texture to the cake.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the middle of the cake; if it comes out clean, it’s ready).

Preparing the syrup

9. Orange syrup: While the cake is baking, squeeze 100 ml of orange juice and mix it with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Heat them gently over low heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar completely dissolves. This syrup will add moisture and sweetness to your cake.

Finalizing and serving

10. Cooling and glazing: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully detach it and transfer it to a plate. Pour the orange syrup over it, allowing it to absorb as much as possible.

11. Serving: You can enjoy the orange cake warm or at room temperature. It is delicious on its own, but you can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Helpful tips for the recipe

- Variations: You can experiment by adding nuts or hazelnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture. You can also replace the oranges with lemons or grapefruits for a more tart version.
- Nutritional benefits: Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system. Additionally, the fiber content from whole wheat flour (if you choose to use it) will add digestive benefits.
- Frequently asked questions:
- How can I prevent the cake from drying out? Make sure not to overbake it. Once it passes the toothpick test, take it out of the oven.
- Can I store the cake? Yes, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze it for a longer period.

This orange cake is more than just a dessert; it is a sensory experience that will bring you joy in every slice. Enjoy the preparation and savor every moment!