Orange cake with citrus

Orange citrus cake is a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for cold winter days. This simple recipe combines a moist base with fresh fruit flavors, offering an explosion of tastes that will delight your taste buds. Whether you want to impress guests or pamper your family, this cake will surely become a favorite.

The total preparation time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the recipe yields 8 generous servings.

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 125 g powdered sugar
- Juice of one medium orange
- 3-4 tablespoons water
- 5 egg yolks
- 3 egg whites
- 125 g ground walnuts or almonds
- ½ tablespoon flour

For the topping:
- 100 g powdered sugar
- Juice of ½ orange and ½ lemon
- A little water
- Fresh orange slices
- 2-3 tablespoons orange jam

Instructions:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preparing the base. In a small saucepan, add 125 g of powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons of water, and the juice of one orange. Boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes a syrup that binds, similar to a sorbet. This step is crucial as the syrup will add moisture and flavor to the base.

2. Whip the syrup:
Once the syrup is ready, pour it into a bowl and let it cool slightly. When warm, use a mixer to whip the mixture until it changes color and becomes frothy. This will ensure a light and airy texture for the base.

3. Add the egg yolks:
Add the 5 egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is essential for incorporating air into the mixture.

4. Incorporate dry ingredients:
Add the ground walnuts or almonds, grated orange peel, flour, and mix until everything is well combined.

5. Whip the egg whites:
In another bowl, whip the 3 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Slowly fold them into the base mixture, being careful not to deflate the incorporated air.

6. Bake the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a cake or loaf pan with butter and pour in the mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan.

7. Prepare the topping:
In a saucepan, add 100 g of powdered sugar and let it caramelize until it turns a golden hue. Then, add 4 tablespoons of water mixed with the juice of ½ orange and ½ lemon. Stir well to dissolve the caramelized sugar. Add the orange jam and let the sauce simmer over low heat for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

8. Assemble the cake:
Cut the cake into slices and place the orange slices on top. Pour the caramelized sauce over the cake, ensuring each slice is well covered.

9. Serve:
This orange citrus cake can be served immediately, being delicious both warm and cold. Offer it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of nuts or seeds, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to customize the flavor.
- If you want a more tart cake, add more lemon juice to the topping sauce.
- This recipe is versatile; instead of oranges, you can use grapefruit or lemon to add a fresh citrus note.

Enjoy this delicious dessert that not only combines citrus flavors but also brings a touch of warmth to cold winter days!