Orange Cake

Orange Cake - A Fragrant Winter Delight

Winter brings us not only storybook landscapes but also the perfect opportunity to indulge in delicious and aromatic desserts. Orange cake is a recipe that combines the freshness of citrus fruits with the fine texture of a fluffy cream, ideal for turning any occasion into a special moment. Additionally, it is an excellent way to use up a leftover carton of cream, thus bringing a touch of inventiveness to the kitchen.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 250 g flour
- 150 ml oil
- 100 ml sparkling water
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 4 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- Orange essence (to taste)
- Grated orange peel (from 1 orange)

For the Cream:
- 400 ml liquid cream
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1 packet of cream stabilizer
- Orange essence (to taste)
- 6 oranges (3 for cubes, 3 for decoration)

For the Syrup:
- 3 oranges (juice)
- 1/2 lemon (juice)
- 1 teaspoon honey

Recipe History

Orange cake has a rich history, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It is often associated with holidays and festive moments, thanks to its fresh taste and vibrant colors. Oranges, a symbol of prosperity, add a note of optimism to every dish, and orange cake becomes an inspired choice to bring smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a 24 cm diameter cake pan by greasing it with a little oil and dusting it with flour.
2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with 100 g of sugar until you achieve a firm, glossy foam. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy base.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the remaining sugar (100 g), oil, sparkling water, orange essence, and grated orange peel. Mix well until homogeneous.
4. Add the flour mixed with the baking powder and gradually incorporate the egg white foam using a spatula, with gentle circular motions to keep the air in the mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick test comes out clean. Allow the base to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. In a clean bowl, whip the liquid cream together with the 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar and the cream stabilizer. Add the orange essence and continue to whip until you achieve a firm cream.
2. Cut the 3 oranges into small cubes and gently fold them into the cream, being careful not to let it collapse.

Step 3: Preparing the Syrup

1. Squeeze the juice from the 3 oranges and the lemon. Mix the juice with a teaspoon of honey until fully dissolved. This syrup will add a note of sweetness and moisture to the bases.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Cut the cooled base in half horizontally. Soak each half with the orange syrup.
2. Spread a generous portion of cream between the two halves of the base, then cover the cake with the remaining cream. You can reserve some cream for decoration.
3. For decoration, melt some white chocolate cubes, then pour them over the cake. Decorate with coconut flakes and orange slices, according to your inspiration.

Serving and Recommendations

The orange cake can be enjoyed immediately or left in the fridge for a few hours, during which time the flavors will intensify. It is even more delicious if served cold, similar to ice cream. It can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce for an extra treat.

Practical Tips

- Flour: Use quality flour to achieve a fluffy base. Type 000 flour is ideal for cakes.
- Oil: Sunflower or canola oil is recommended, but you can experiment with olive oil for a more pronounced flavor.
- Cream: Ensure the cream is very cold before whipping for optimal results.
- Variations: You can adapt the recipe by adding chopped nuts or almonds to the cream mixture for added texture. Additionally, you can replace oranges with other citrus fruits, such as lemons or grapefruits, to achieve a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned oranges?
- While possible, fresh oranges provide superior flavor and texture.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup and use more tart oranges.

3. How can I tell if the base is baked?
- Use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the base; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

This orange cake is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that will immediately transport you to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of winter. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor every slice!