Imagine a cake so moist, so bursting with bright citrus flavor, that it transports you straight to a cozy Amish kitchen with just one bite! This Amish Orange Juice Cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that combines traditional baking wisdom with a refreshing twist of orange that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert for a family gathering or a sweet treat to brighten your afternoon, this recipe promises to deliver a slice of pure happiness that's both simple to make and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition to ensure proper incorporation.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and orange juice to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or prepare a simple orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little orange juice for added flavor.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and orange juice are at room temperature for the smoothest, most well-incorporated batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed orange juice if possible for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease and flour your baking pan, or use parchment paper for easy cake removal.
- Toothpick Test: Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breaking.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a simple orange glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
