Welcome to a world where the humble orange reigns supreme, transformed into a delectable Fresh Orange Bundt Cake that promises to delight your senses and brighten your day. This cake is not just a treat; it's an experience, offering a perfect blend of moistness, lightness, and a vibrant burst of fresh orange flavor, all crowned with a sweet and enticing blood orange glaze. Crafted with love and simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a testament to the joy that baking can bring into our lives, turning everyday moments into special occasions.
Why You'll Love This: This Fresh Orange Bundt Cake is a true celebration of citrus, making the most of fresh oranges to deliver a flavor that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying. The blood orange glaze adds a beautiful, visually striking touch, along with an extra layer of sweetness and zest. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe offers straightforward steps to achieve a bakery-worthy cake that's sure to impress. It's the perfect way to bring a touch of sunshine to any gathering, or to simply enjoy a slice of bliss with your morning coffee or tea.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is tailor-made for spring and summer celebrations, brunch gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a bright, cheerful dessert. It's also a fantastic choice for holiday feasting, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional heavy desserts. Present this cake at your next family gathering, potluck, or bake sale, and watch as it becomes the center of attention, sparking joy and conversation among your guests.
Decoration Tips: For an extra special touch, decorate your cake with thin slices of orange, including blood oranges for a pop of color, arranged artistically atop the glaze. Edible flowers, such as pansies or marigolds, can also add a lovely, festive look. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of candied orange peel or a few sprigs of fresh mint will elevate the presentation and add another layer of flavor and texture.
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 240ml (1 cup) of your preferred milk, unsweetened
- 2 teaspoons of white vinegar
- 120g (1/2 cup) of fresh orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons of fresh orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
- 300g (1 and 1/2 cups) of granulated sugar
- 170g (3/4 cup) of melted butter, choose according to your preference
- 330g (2 and 2/3 cups) of all-purpose flour
- 30g (2 tablespoons) of cornstarch
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
For the Orange Glaze:
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) of orange juice (preferably from a blood orange or a navel orange)
- 120g (1 cup) of powdered sugar, to be mixed with the orange juice
- 14g (1 tablespoon) of melted butter, to be combined with the powdered sugar mixture
Method:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9-inch Bundt pan with butter and a light oil spray.
- Blend the sugar with orange zest in a bowl, rubbing them together to infuse the sugar with the orange essence.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vinegar, and orange juice.
- Sift all the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl and incorporate the zesty sugar. Gradually add the liquid mixture, stirring to combine. Finally, blend in the melted butter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spoon. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before inverting onto a serving plate. Once cooled, drizzle with the prepared orange glaze.
- Serve your masterpiece as is, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring it remains as fresh and delightful as when it was first baked.
Embrace the essence of citrus with this Fresh Orange Bundt Cake, and let every slice be a reminder of the simple pleasures that baking can bring into our lives. Enjoy!