Orange cake - with tomato juice

Orange Cake with Tomato Juice: An Unusual Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 12

If you're looking for a dessert recipe that surprises both in taste and appearance, then the orange cake with tomato juice is the perfect choice. This cake has an interesting story, being an unusual combination of ingredients that blend harmoniously. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will surely delight you.

Ingredients

*For the layers:*
- 15 tablespoons of sugar
- 15 tablespoons of oil
- 15 tablespoons of tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon of ammonia or 1 packet of baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g)

*For the cream:*
- ½ liter of boiled milk
- 5 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 package of butter (200 g) at room temperature
- 1 cup of sugar
- Zest of one lemon and its juice

*For decoration:*
- Ground walnuts (optional)
- Apricot jam (optional, for a thin layer between the layers)

Preparation of Layers

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, oil, and tomato juice. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. This is the base of your cake, and the tomato juice will provide a vibrant color and an unusual taste.

2. Adding the leavening agents: Add the ammonia or baking powder, mixing again to incorporate it well. This step is essential for obtaining fluffy layers.

3. Incorporating the flour: Start adding flour gradually until you obtain an elastic dough that no longer sticks to your hands. The amount of flour may vary, so it's best to add it little by little.

4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes. Once you achieve a smooth texture, divide the dough into 4 equal parts.

5. Baking the layers: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Roll out each part of the dough into a thin layer and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake each layer for about 15 minutes, or until they turn slightly golden. It is important not to leave them in the oven too long, as they will continue to bake even after you take them out.

Preparation of Cream

1. Boiling milk with semolina: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Once it starts boiling, gradually add the semolina, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Boil the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it thickens, then let it cool.

2. Preparing the butter with sugar: In another bowl, cream the butter with sugar until you obtain a creamy and fluffy mixture. This is the secret to a light and tasty cream.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the cooled semolina to the butter and sugar mixture, then incorporate the lemon zest and juice. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous and delicious cream.

Assembling the Cake

1. Layering: Place the first layer of dough on a platter. Spread an even layer of cream, then add the second layer. Repeat the process until all layers are assembled. If desired, you can add a thin layer of apricot jam between the layers for extra flavor and moisture.

2. Decorating: On the last layer, spread the remaining cream and sprinkle ground walnuts on top. This detail not only enhances the appearance of the cake but also adds a pleasant contrast of textures.

3. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 24 hours. This waiting time is essential for the layers to soften and the flavors to blend perfectly.

Practical Tips

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of orange cake contains approximately 250-300 calories. Although it has a high sugar content, the use of tomato juice enriches the cake with vitamin C and antioxidants.

- Ingredients: Make sure the tomato juice is 100% natural, without additives. You can experiment with different types of oil (e.g., olive oil) to achieve a distinct flavor.

- Preparation Techniques: If you don't have time to wait 24 hours, you can try serving it after a few hours, but the taste will be much more intense after it has been in the fridge.

- Possible Variations: Instead of apricot jam, you can use plum or raspberry jam to change the flavor profile of the cake. You can also try adding a few drops of vanilla extract to the butter cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

The orange cake with tomato juice pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a flavored coffee. Place a slice on an elegant platter and decorate with lemon or orange slices for a festive look.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace butter with margarine? Yes, you can use margarine, but the taste will be different. Butter provides a richer flavor and a finer texture.

- What other cakes can I try? If you like this recipe, you might also try caramelized apple cake or chocolate and nut cake.

- Is the cake suitable for vegans? No, this recipe contains animal products. You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter and almond milk for a vegan version.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to get cooking! The orange cake with tomato juice will surely become your favorite, both for its unusual taste and appealing appearance. Enjoy!