Orange cream cake

Orange Cream and Chocolate Flakes Cake: A Refreshing Delight for Any Occasion

Discover a delicious and elegant recipe that combines the juicy flavors of oranges with the sweetness of chocolate! This orange cream cake is perfect for celebrating special moments or simply indulging in an ordinary evening. With a fluffy base and a smooth cream, this quick dessert is sure to become everyone's favorite.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Recipe History
The orange cream cake has its origins in kitchens that loved to combine fruits with chocolate. This dessert brings a touch of freshness and vitality, making it ideal for warm seasons, but also for any other occasion. The tangy taste of oranges perfectly balances the sweetness of the base, making it an ideal choice for a meal's conclusion.

Ingredients
For the Base:
- 12 eggs (at room temperature)
- 12 tablespoons of flour
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Chocolate flakes (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

For the Cream:
- 500 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 50 g of cornstarch
- 100 g of sugar
- Grated orange peel

For the Syrup:
- 250 ml of water
- Orange pulp (from squeezing the oranges)
- 50 g of sugar

For Decoration:
- 200 ml of whipped cream
- Grated chocolate
- Orange slices

Necessary Tools
- Round cake pan
- Mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Baking paper
- A wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Base:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a firmer foam.
In a bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This is the moment when the sugar will dissolve, and the mixture will become airy. In another bowl, beat the egg whites, adding a pinch of salt, until you achieve a firm foam.

2. Combining the Ingredients:
Gently fold the egg white foam into the yolk mixture. Use a spatula and mix with slow up-and-down movements to avoid losing the air from the egg whites. Sift the flour together with the baking powder, then gradually add the flour over the creamy mixture. Finally, you can add the chocolate flakes for an extra flavor boost.

3. Baking:
Line a round cake pan with baking paper and pour the mixture into the pan. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for 40 minutes. Check if it is done by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is perfect. Let it cool completely.

4. Preparing the Cream:
In a saucepan, add the orange juice, sugar, and grated orange peel, and bring to a boil. Mix the cornstarch with 50 ml of cold orange juice and add it to the saucepan when the mixture boils. Stir continuously until the cream thickens. Let it cool, then fold in the whipped cream to achieve an airy texture.

5. Assembling the Cake:
Cut the base into 3 equal slices. To soak them, prepare the syrup from water, orange pulp, and sugar, boiling for 5 minutes. Soak each slice of base, adding a third of the cream between each layer. Cover the cake with whipped cream and decorate with chocolate flakes and orange slices.

Practical Tips
- Ingredient Temperature: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to achieve a fluffy base.
- Chocolate Flakes: Use dark chocolate flakes for a delicious contrast with the orange cream.
- Whipped Cream: Choose a high-quality whipped cream to achieve a smooth texture in the cake cream.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond or coconut flour, but make sure to respect the correct proportions.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought orange juice? We recommend freshly squeezed juice for a more intense flavor, but in its absence, store-bought juice can be an alternative.
- How well does the cake keep? The cake keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best consumed fresh.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended not to decorate it before freezing.

Delicious Combinations
This orange cream cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or a sweet wine. You can also serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and temperatures.

Final Note
This is not just a cake, but a culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Share this recipe with friends and family and enjoy the moments spent together. Whether it's a birthday, a party, or a simple family meal, this orange cream cake will surely be the star of the evening!