Smart cake with oranges

Smart Orange Cake – A Delight Easy to Prepare

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 85 minutes
Number of servings: 12

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert, the smart orange cake is the perfect choice. This simple recipe is loved by everyone due to its unique combination of textures and fresh citrus flavors. The origins of this cake are shrouded in mystery, but it is known to have gained popularity due to its ease of preparation and exceptional taste. Additionally, it is a recipe that can be adapted based on personal preferences or available ingredients.

With every bite, you will feel how the flavors of orange and vanilla intertwine perfectly, and the soft and fluffy texture will make this cake a family favorite. Let's start cooking!

Ingredients:

- 225 g flour
- 250 g sugar
- 1 package of Rama margarine (approx. 250 g)
- 1 liter of milk
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 packet of vanilla sugar)
- 8 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- Juice from 1 orange
- A pinch of salt

Preparation Instructions:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the margarine into cubes and place it in a bowl. This step is essential for ensuring the margarine melts evenly.

2. Melting the Margarine: Place the bowl with margarine in the microwave for about 1 minute and 15 seconds. Make sure the margarine melts completely, but let it cool slightly while keeping it liquid. Do not put it in the fridge, as we want it to be slightly warm.

3. Beating the Yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks well with the sugar until the mixture becomes a light and creamy foam. This step will help achieve a fluffy cake.

4. Adding the Margarine: Add the melted and cooled margarine to the yolk mixture. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

5. Incorporating the Flour and Milk: Here comes an essential trick: add the flour gradually, alternating with the milk, to avoid lumps. Mix gently until the mixture becomes smooth. This is the moment to add the vanilla seeds (or vanilla sugar), zest, and orange juice. The flavors will blend beautifully!

6. Beating the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a dense foam and double in volume. This step will add air and lightness to the cake.

7. Incorporating the Egg Whites: Using a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, mixing lightly from top to bottom. This will keep the air in the egg whites and help the cake remain fluffy.

8. Preparing the Baking Pan: Grease a baking pan with oil and dust it with flour. This step is important to prevent the cake from sticking.

9. Baking: Pour the mixture into the pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 70 minutes, starting with the first 5 minutes at high heat to achieve a nice crust, then reduce the temperature. It is essential not to open the oven door during baking, as the cake needs stability to rise evenly.

10. Cooling and Serving: When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool. Once it has completely cooled, cut it into servings and, if desired, dust it with powdered sugar. This detail adds an elegant and delicious touch.

Practical Tips:

- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use good quality margarine for a tastier cake. Also, prefer fresh oranges for juice and zest, as the flavor will be much more intense.

- Chocolate Variation: If you are a fan of chocolate, try adding some dark chocolate pieces to the mixture for a more decadent taste.

- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement the dessert.

Nutritional Benefits: This cake provides a good source of protein from the eggs and calcium from the milk. Oranges bring vitamin C, essential for the immune system. However, moderation is recommended due to the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Why is it called "smart cake"? It is named so because, during baking, the mixture separates into layers, resulting in a unique texture.

- Can I use another type of fat? Yes, you can use butter or coconut oil, but the taste will vary.

- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge to extend its freshness.

The smart orange cake is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience full of flavors, textures, and pleasant memories. Feel free to personalize your recipe and experiment with new ingredients. Cooking is an art, and every recipe can become a personal story that you share with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!