Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your dessert game forever! This "Orange Cake to Die For" isn't just another cake recipe – it's a slice of citrusy heaven that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and moist goodness, this cake is about to become your new obsession, guaranteed to impress everyone from family gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, you can prepare a simple glaze or frosting if desired. A mixture of powdered sugar and orange juice works wonderfully for a light glaze.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top or frost it as desired. Slice and serve your delicious "Orange Cake to Die For!" Enjoy!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter, eggs, and orange juice are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Zest Like a Pro: When zesting oranges, only scrape the bright orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the topping from sliding off.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to intensify the citrus flavor.
- Storage Tip: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
