Orange cake with whipped cream

Orange Cake with Whipped Cream - A Flavorful Delight for Special Moments

On a cold winter day, when the chill embraces us, there’s nothing more comforting than the inviting scent of fresh oranges mixed with the aroma of crackling wood in the fireplace. This orange cake with whipped cream not only brings a touch of sunshine to gloomy days, but it is also a perfect choice to celebrate beautiful moments with family. With a fluffy texture and delicious cream, this cake will surely be the star of your table.

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

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon very soft butter
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200 g flour

For the cream:
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon grated orange zest
- a few drops of orange essence
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 orange (for decoration)

For decoration:
- 250 g fondant

Step by Step Preparation

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It’s important that it’s well heated before placing the sponge in, to achieve even baking.

2. Prepare the sponge mixture: In a large bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Mix very well with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes frothy and changes to a light, almost whitish color. This is key to achieving a fluffy sponge.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Add the soft butter, orange essence, and grated orange zest. Use the mixer to thoroughly combine these ingredients.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: Switch from the mixer to a manual whisk. Sift the flour along with the baking powder over the egg mixture and gently fold in, using up-and-down motions to avoid losing air.

5. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into a round cake pan (18 cm in diameter) lined with baking paper or greased with butter and flour. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Be careful not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to prevent the sponge from sinking. Test for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.

6. Cooling the sponge: Remove the sponge from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

7. Preparing the whipped cream: While the sponge cools, prepare the cream. In a large bowl, add the liquid cream and sugar. Whip until the cream becomes firm. Add the orange zest, orange essence, and lemon juice, gently mixing to incorporate.

8. Assembling the cake: Once the sponge is completely cooled, cut it in half. If desired, you can soak it with a simple syrup made from water and sugar flavored with orange essence. Place the first sponge layer on a serving plate, add a generous layer of whipped cream, then orange segments. Cover with the second sponge layer and frost the cake with whipped cream on all sides.

9. Chilling the cake: Leave the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours (ideally overnight) for the flavors to meld perfectly.

10. Decorating the cake: Once the cake is well chilled, roll out the fondant into a thin sheet of about 3 mm and cover the cake with it. You can add any decorations you like; I chose to decorate it with some cute flowers and little bees to celebrate a special moment for a 2-year-old girl.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Use fresh eggs and quality butter for a perfect taste. Freshly grated orange zest adds an intense and vibrant flavor.
- Whipped cream: Make sure the cream is well chilled before whipping for better results.
- Variations: You can experiment with other flavors, such as lemon or grapefruit, instead of oranges for a cake with a different taste profile. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds to the sponge mixture for added texture.

Nutritional Benefits

The orange cake is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins due to the oranges. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system and have antioxidant properties. Whipped cream, while a source of fats, can be used in moderation for a tasty dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
- Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will be different.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the whipped cream or use a sugar substitute.

3. What other desserts can I make with oranges?
- Oranges are also excellent in tarts, mousses, or even in fruit salads.

This orange cake with whipped cream is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines flavors and memories, bringing joy in every slice. So, embrace the magic of cooking and surprise your loved ones with this delight! Happy baking!