Orange cake is a delightful and flavorful dessert that incorporates the sweet and tangy taste of oranges. Here’s a simple recipe for a basic orange cake:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3-4 medium-sized oranges)
- Zest of 2 oranges
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the orange zest, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the orange glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and enough fresh orange juice to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Once the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled cake.
- Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade orange cake!
Feel free to get creative with the recipe by adding variations such as poppy seeds or a cream cheese frosting. Enjoy your orange cake!
