Delightfully Simple Orange Cake with a Zesty Orange Glaze

This Simple Orange Cake is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of orange juice with the zestiness of orange peel. The cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, this cake is perfect for those who want to enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. The orange glaze adds a delightful finishing touch, enhancing the citrus flavor and giving the cake a beautiful, glossy finish.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Citrus Freshness: The fresh orange juice and zest give this cake a bright, citrusy flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
• Moist and Tender: The combination of orange juice and oil in the batter results in a wonderfully moist and tender cake.
• Simple and Quick: With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward recipe, this cake is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a light dessert, an afternoon snack, or even as a sweet breakfast option with your morning coffee.
• Zesty Orange Glaze: The orange glaze not only adds sweetness but also intensifies the citrus flavor, making each bite a burst of sunshine.

Perfect Occasion:

This Simple Orange Cake is ideal for:

• Everyday Baking: A quick and easy treat that’s perfect for any day of the week.
• Family Gatherings: A delightful cake to share with loved ones at family dinners or get-togethers.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a refreshing and light afternoon snack.
• Brunch: This cake is a great addition to any brunch spread, bringing a bright and zesty flavor to the table.

Decoration Tips:

• Orange Zest: Garnish the top of the cake with extra orange zest for a pop of color and an extra burst of citrus aroma.
• Candied Orange Slices: Decorate the cake with thin slices of candied orange for a beautiful and professional-looking presentation.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: For a more classic look, lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 120ml fresh orange juice
• 3 large eggs
• 150g oil (vegetable or canola)
• 150g sugar
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 300g all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• Grated zest of one orange

For the Orange Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Grated zest of one orange

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 25 cm x 11 cm (10 in x 4 in) loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 120ml fresh orange juice, 3 large eggs, 150g oil, 150g sugar, and 1 packet of vanilla sugar until smooth and well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, sift together 300g flour and 1.5 teaspoons baking powder.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Fold in the grated orange zest, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
   • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Orange Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth.
   • Stir in the grated orange zest to add texture and extra flavor.
5. Glaze the Cake:
   • Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
   • Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your Simple Orange Cake—a bright and zesty treat that’s perfect for any occasion!