Treat yourself to the sublime flavors of this Elegant Orange Plumcake, a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the zesty aroma of fresh oranges with the tender, moist texture of a classic cake. Topped with a luscious orange glaze, this cake not only pleases the palate but also enchants the senses, making it a sophisticated addition to any culinary occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: This cake offers an exquisite blend of sweet and tangy notes provided by the fresh orange juice and zest, incorporated into a rich, buttery batter that bakes into a perfectly soft crumb. The smooth, shiny glaze adds a touch of elegance and enhances the bright citrus flavors, creating a visually appealing and deliciously aromatic treat.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for high tea events, sophisticated brunch gatherings, or as an after-dinner dessert that will impress your guests. Its refined appearance and refreshing flavor profile make it a wonderful choice for celebrations or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Decoration Tips: To elevate the presentation, consider adding a garnish of candied orange slices atop the glaze for a touch of gourmet flair. A sprinkle of finely grated orange zest or a few twists of peel can also add visual interest and reinforce the orange theme.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 100g sugar
- 90g butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 100g milk, room temperature
- 65g freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 185g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 12g baking powder
For the Orange Glaze:
- 150g powdered sugar, sifted
- Fresh orange juice, added gradually to achieve the desired consistency
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
- Gradually mix in the milk and orange juice, then stir in the orange zest to infuse the batter with citrus flavor.
- Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder together and fold them into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined without overworking the batter.
2. Baking the Cake:
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for several minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Making the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar with just enough orange juice to form a thick but pourable glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finish.
Serve and Enjoy this sophisticated Orange Plumcake, which pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, offering a refreshing citrus burst that is sure to delight any dessert aficionado.