Prepare to elevate your dessert game with a cloud-like cake that will transport your taste buds to a sunny citrus paradise! This Orange Blossom Angel Food Cake isn't just another ordinary dessert—it's a magical transformation of a classic cake mix into a gourmet masterpiece that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery. With its delicate texture, bright orange essence, and irresistible aroma, this cake will have your guests begging for the recipe and wondering how you became such a baking wizard!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box angel food cake mix
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, empty the contents of the angel food cake mix.
- Replace the water typically called for on the box mix with fresh orange juice. Add the orange juice to the mix gradually while stirring.
- Incorporate the orange zest into the batter, mixing thoroughly to distribute the citrus flavor evenly.
- Add the almond extract and mix gently until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can deflate the cake's delicate texture.
- Prepare an ungreased 10-inch tube pan. Do not use cooking spray or grease the pan, as angel food cake needs to cling to the sides to rise properly.
- Pour the batter into the tube pan, ensuring an even distribution and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a cooling rack. Let the cake cool completely upside down for about 1-
- 5 hours. This prevents the delicate cake from collapsing.
- Once completely cooled, run a thin knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake.
- Gently remove the cake from the pan and transfer to a serving plate.
- Just before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve for an elegant finish.
- Slice with a serrated knife and serve at room temperature. Optional: Garnish with fresh orange segments or a light orange glaze.
Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for the most consistent mixing and rising.
- When adding orange juice, do it gradually to maintain the cake's delicate structure.
- Be extremely gentle when mixing to preserve the cake's signature light, airy texture.
- Never grease the tube pan—the cake needs to cling to the sides to rise properly.
- Inverting the cake while cooling is crucial; this prevents the cake from deflating and maintains its beautiful height.
- Use a fine mesh sieve for the most elegant powdered sugar dusting.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a tiny splash of orange liqueur to the batter.
- Store the cake at room temperature, covered, to maintain its moisture and softness.
- For best results, serve within 2-3 days of baking for peak freshness.
- If you want a more intense orange flavor, you can add a few drops of orange extract along with the zest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
