There's something quite delightful about a slice of moist, citrusy orange cake. Whether it's a summertime treat or a comforting winter dessert, this rich, dense bake with its unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors is always a hit. Our rich orange cake recipe offers a burst of fresh orange flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.
The key ingredients in this recipe are orange zest and orange juice, which can be easily sourced from supermarket produce departments. The orange zest is the colored part of the peel and it contains the fruit’s aromatic oils, offering a concentrated burst of fresh orange flavor. Self-rising flour, another essential ingredient, usually found in baking aisle, contains built-in leavening agents, helping the cake rise in the oven.
Rich Orange Cake Essential Ingredients
Butter: Serves as the base, gives the cake a tender, rich crumb.
White sugar: Not only sweetens the cake but also helps in caramelizing and browning.
Orange zest: Infuses the cake with a bright, citrusy flavor.
Egg yolks: Adds richness and body to the cake batter.
Self rising flour: Combines flour with leavening agents to help the cake rise.
Orange juice: Provides the cake with a fresh, tangy flavor.
Egg whites: Whisked egg whites create airiness and lightness in the cake.
Salt: Enhances other flavors in the cake.
One reader, Klarika Frantz says:
This rich orange cake recipe is a game-changer! The citrusy aroma and moist texture make it a delightful treat. The balance of sweetness and tanginess is spot on. A perfect choice for any occasion or just a cozy evening at home. I highly recommend trying it out!
Key Techniques for Making Rich Orange Cake
How to cream the butter, sugar, and grated orange zest: Creaming is a technique used to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Beat the butter, sugar, and orange zest together until the mixture becomes pale and airy.
How to fold in the sifted flour, alternating with orange juice: Folding is a gentle mixing technique used to incorporate dry and wet ingredients without deflating the mixture. Add the sifted flour into the creamed mixture, then pour in the orange juice, and gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
How to whisk the egg whites until stiff and add a pinch of salt: Whisking the egg whites until stiff involves beating them until they hold stiff peaks when the whisk is lifted. Adding a pinch of salt helps stabilize the egg whites and improve their volume.
How To Make Rich Orange Cake
Amazingly moist and rich, this orange cake recipe uses fresh orange juice and grated orange zest for a decadent baked dessert that’s full of citrus flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupbutter
- ¾cupwhite sugar
- 2tbsporange zest,grated
- 2egg yolks
- 1cupself rising flour
- ½cuporange juice,fresh
- 2egg whites
- 1pinchsalt
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease one 8-inch round cake pan. Sift the flour and set aside.
-
Cream the butter, sugar, and grated orange zest until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Fold in the sifted flour, alternating with orange juice.
-
In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff and add a pinch of salt. Fold the whisked egg whites into the mixture. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
-
Bake in oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into cake comes out clean.
-
Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 224.27kcal
- Fat: 11.20g
- Saturated Fat: 6.79g
- Trans Fat: 0.41g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.57g
- Carbohydrates: 28.90g
- Fiber: 0.54g
- Sugar: 17.89g
- Protein: 2.71g
- Cholesterol: 59.58mg
- Sodium: 178.60mg
- Calcium: 58.07mg
- Potassium: 63.79mg
- Iron: 0.78mg
- Vitamin A: 99.32µg
- Vitamin C: 8.70mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving the Perfect Texture
When zesting the orange, make sure to only remove the outermost, colored part of the peel. The white pith underneath is bitter and can affect the overall taste of your cake. Using a microplane or zester can help achieve this. Also, to ensure your cake rises properly, avoid over-mixing the batter once you've added the self rising flour. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake. Instead, gently fold in the flour until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Cake Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare ingredients and measure them out in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to simplify meal preparation.
Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food at once and store the extras for future meals to save time on cooking.
Quick marinades: Use simple marinades to add flavor to dishes without requiring lengthy marinating times.
Efficient chopping: Master efficient chopping techniques to speed up the prep work for recipes.
Make-ahead meals: Prepare meals in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy reheating.
Sheet pan meals: Opt for sheet pan recipes that allow you to cook an entire meal on a single pan for easy cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Rich Orange Cake Recipe
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the cake, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, and it also complements the orange flavor well.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor, adding a refreshing twist to the cake.
egg yolks - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can act as a binding agent and add moisture to the cake, while also reducing the amount of fat.
self rising flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour + baking powder + salt: Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to create a substitute for self-rising flour.
orange juice - Substitute with tangerine juice: Tangerine juice can provide a similar citrusy flavor and acidity to the cake, enhancing the orange flavor profile.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine): Aquafaba can be whipped into stiff peaks, similar to egg whites, and can act as a vegan-friendly substitute for egg whites.
Presentation Ideas for a Delightful Orange Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the rich orange cake, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers and candied orange peel to add a pop of color and sophistication to the plate.
Incorporate texture: Introduce contrasting textures to the plate by adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the moist and tender cake.
Artful drizzling: Drizzle a delicate orange glaze over the cake for a glossy finish, adding a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the cake using a fine mesh sieve to create a professional and polished appearance.
Balance with fresh fruit: Accompany the cake with a side of fresh berries or a citrus salad to provide a refreshing contrast and a burst of natural sweetness.
Essential Tools for Baking a Perfect Cake
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters.
- Electric mixer: Ideal for beating, whipping, and creaming ingredients to achieve the desired consistency.
- Zester: Used to grate the outer peel of citrus fruits to add flavor to dishes.
- Sifter: Essential for sifting flour and other dry ingredients to ensure a smooth texture in baked goods.
- Cake pan: Used to bake cakes and other desserts in the oven.
- Whisk: Essential for blending and aerating ingredients, especially when working with eggs and batters.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients for baking and cooking.
- Cooling rack: Used to cool baked goods and allow air to circulate around the food.
- Toothpick: Used to check the doneness of cakes and other baked goods by inserting it into the center.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Orange Cake
Allow the rich orange cake to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake at room temperature, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. The cake will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.
If you want to store the cake in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. The cake will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
To freeze the orange cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label the cake with the date and place it in the freezer. The cake will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to serve the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours. You can also thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
If you want to freeze individual slices of the cake, wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag. The slices will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer.
To thaw frozen slices of orange cake, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. You can also thaw the slices in the refrigerator for a few hours.
How To Reheat Leftover Orange Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover rich orange cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the orange zest aroma fills your kitchen. This method works best for larger pieces of cake and helps to restore the cake's original texture and flavor.
For individual slices, you can use a toaster oven. Set the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cake slice on a small baking tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is quick and convenient, especially if you're only reheating a single serving.
If you prefer a softer, more moist texture, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover cake on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds, or until the cake is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can quickly become rubbery or dry.
For a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, you can use a skillet or griddle. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the cake slice in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through. This method works particularly well for butter cake or pound cake, giving it a delightful caramelized crust.
If you want to add a touch of extra orange flavor to your leftover cake, you can create a simple orange syrup. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts orange juice and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. Brush the syrup over the cake before reheating it using any of the above methods. This will infuse the cake with a burst of fresh citrus flavor and help to keep it moist.
Interesting Trivia About Orange Cakes
Orange cake is a popular dessert in many countries around the world. It is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations, and its rich and citrusy flavor makes it a delightful treat for citrus lovers.
Is Making Rich Orange Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
After careful analysis, the rich orange cake recipe is cost-effective for a household. The use of simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour makes it budget-friendly. The addition of orange zest and orange juice adds a refreshing twist without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8.50. Overall, I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and delightful flavor.
Is This Cake Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The rich orange cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest choice for those watching their calorie or sugar intake. The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in saturated fat and empty calories. Additionally, the use of self-rising flour, which typically contains added salt, could contribute to increased sodium levels.
However, there are some redeeming qualities to this recipe. The orange zest and juice provide a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. The eggs used in the recipe also offer a decent amount of protein.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used in the recipe, or replace them with healthier alternatives like unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas
- Use whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour to increase the fiber content and reduce the amount of added salt
- Incorporate more fresh orange juice and zest to boost the vitamin C content and natural sweetness of the cake
- Top the cake with a light, yogurt-based frosting instead of a heavy, butter-based one to reduce the overall calorie and fat content
By making these simple modifications, you can enjoy a delicious and more nutritious version of this classic orange cake recipe. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier substitutions, it's important to enjoy this treat as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Delectable Orange Cake
This rich orange cake recipe is a delightful blend of citrus flavors and a perfect balance of sweetness. The use of fresh orange zest and juice adds a vibrant and refreshing taste to the cake. The incorporation of whipped egg whites gives the cake a light and airy texture, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. The simplicity of the recipe allows for easy preparation, and the end result is a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress. It's a wonderful choice for those who appreciate the bright and sunny flavors of oranges in a dessert.
Enhance Your Rich Orange Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Orange Cakes
Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Rich Orange Cake
Why trust this Rich Orange Cake Recipe:
This rich orange cake recipe is a delightful treat that promises a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. The use of orange zest and orange juice ensures a fresh and vibrant taste, while the incorporation of butter and egg yolks adds richness and depth. The careful folding of whisked egg whites results in a light and airy texture, making this cake a delightful indulgence. Trust in the harmonious combination of these quality ingredients to deliver a delectable dessert experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Vegan Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
Mary Berry’s Orange Cake Recipe
Blood Orange Upside-Down Cake Recipe
Orange Drizzle Cake Recipe
Orange Slice Cake Recipe
Blood Orange & Olive Oil Bundt Cake Recipe
Chocolate orange-tini trifle Recipe
Orange Juice Cake Recipe
Orange Olive Oil Cake Recipe
Chocolate, orange & almond simnel cake Recipe
Orange Coriander Drizzle Cake Recipe
