Orange juice cake

Orange juice cake – a light, flavorful, and refreshing delicacy that perfectly combines the zest of citrus with the sweetness of cheese. It is an ideal dessert for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends, a celebration, or simply an afternoon treat to indulge yourself.

In this recipe, you will discover how to prepare a fluffy base, a delicious cheese cream, and a pudding glaze with orange juice, all in a perfect combination that will delight any taste buds. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Required ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 90 ml of oil

Cream 1:
- 500 g of cottage cheese
- 200 g of powdered sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 250 g of butter

Cream 2:
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- 1 liter of orange juice
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the bowl in which you will beat the egg whites is perfectly clean and dry, so the foam turns out airy and light.

2. Beating the egg whites: Use a mixer to beat the egg whites with 6 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a firm and glossy foam. This process will take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Beating the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with 2 tablespoons of cold water until they become a stiff foam. Then add the oil and continue mixing.

4. Combining the ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Gently fold the flour mixture into the yolk mixture using a spatula to maintain the aeration.

5. Incorporating the egg whites: Gradually add the beaten egg whites, gently folding from top to bottom to avoid losing air in the mixture.

6. Baking the base: Pour the obtained mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes. The base is ready when it is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the cheese cream

1. Cheese cream: In a bowl, beat the butter with 200 g of powdered sugar and the two packets of vanilla sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream. This step will add a fine texture and delicious taste.

2. Incorporating the cheese: Add the cottage cheese, gently mixing until homogeneous. Make sure there are no lumps left to obtain a smooth cream.

Step 3: Preparing the orange pudding

1. Boiling the juice: In a pot, bring 1 liter of orange juice to a boil. It is important to use natural, freshly squeezed juice for an intense and aromatic flavor.

2. Preparing the pudding: In a separate bowl, mix the two packets of pudding with 3-4 tablespoons of sugar (to taste) and a few tablespoons of cold juice to avoid lumps.

3. Mixing: When the orange juice starts to boil, add the pudding mixture and continuously stir with a whisk. Continue mixing until the pudding thickens. Then, remove the pot from the heat.

4. Assembling the cake: After the base has completely cooled, spread the cheese cream evenly over it. Then, carefully pour the orange pudding over the cheese cream, ensuring it spreads evenly.

Step 4: Cooling and serving

1. Cooling: Let the cake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours (ideally overnight) to firm up well.

2. Cutting and serving: Once the cake is well chilled, you can cut it into portions. I recommend serving the cake with a drizzle of whipped cream or, if you prefer, with vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Helpful tips

- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and butter, for better homogenization.
- Chocolate version: If you are a chocolate fan, you can replace some of the flour with cocoa in the base, adding an intense flavor and darker color.
- Decoration: After the cake is ready, you can decorate it with orange slices or white chocolate flakes for a more appealing look.
- Storing the cake: The orange juice cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but it is likely to disappear quickly!

Nutritional benefits

The orange juice cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Cottage cheese provides protein and calcium, while eggs are a good source of essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture, but make sure to adjust the sugar amount as well.

2. Can I replace the orange juice?
- Of course! You can experiment with lemon or apple juice, but the flavors will be different.

3. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
- You can replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour, such as almond or rice flour, but it's recommended to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired consistency.

Conclusion

The orange juice cake is a dessert that not only impresses with its appearance but also with its refined taste. It is a perfect example of a recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Whether you enjoy it with friends, family, or simply as a personal treat, each portion is an explosion of flavors and aromas. Try this simple recipe and see how much it can enhance your moments of relaxation!