This Gluten-Free and Lactose-Free Orange and Cocoa Cake offers a refreshing twist on traditional flavors, combining the citrusy zest of fresh orange juice with the rich, deep tones of cocoa. This cake features a light and fluffy texture achieved by incorporating beaten egg whites into a blend of rice flour and sweet starch, ensuring that every bite is both airy and satisfying. The addition of vanilla essence enhances the flavor complexity, making this cake a sophisticated treat for any dessert lover.
Why You’ll Love This: The dual layers of orange and cocoa provide a delightful contrast in flavors that can captivate any palate. The natural sweetness of the demerara sugar complements the bitterness of the cocoa and the tanginess of the orange, creating a well-rounded taste experience. This cake is not only delicious but also caters to those with dietary restrictions, ensuring that it can be enjoyed without concern for gluten or lactose content.
Perfect Occasion: Perfect for celebrations, from birthdays to festive gatherings, this Orange and Cocoa Cake brings a touch of elegance to any table. It’s also ideal for afternoon teas or as a special treat during coffee breaks, providing a luxurious complement to your beverage of choice. Moreover, it’s a great choice for holiday dinners where a gluten-free and lactose-free dessert is needed.
Decoration Tips: For a stunning presentation, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar on top or a drizzle of orange glaze to enhance the citrus notes. Garnishing with orange zest or a few thin orange slices can add a fresh, colorful touch. For those who enjoy a bit of extra decadence, a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs on top before serving can elevate the visual appeal and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 5 eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup demerara sugar
- 1/2 cup oil of your choice
- 200ml fresh orange juice
- 1 and 1/2 cups rice flour
- 3 tablespoons sweet starch
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Vanilla essence (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). Grease and flour a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix the egg yolks, oil, demerara sugar, and orange juice until well combined.
- Gradually add the rice flour and sweet starch to the yolk mixture, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Remove a portion of the batter and blend it with the cocoa powder.
- Pour the plain batter into the prepared pan, followed by the cocoa batter. Use a skewer to swirl the two batters slightly for a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Enjoy this delightful Gluten-Free and Lactose-Free Orange and Cocoa Cake, a perfect treat that marries the brightness of orange with the luxurious depth of cocoa, making every slice a celebration of flavor.
