This Orange, Walnut, and Almond Plumcake is a delightful treat that combines the zestiness of fresh oranges with the earthy tones of nuts and almonds, creating a fragrant and flavorful dessert. The texture is wonderfully soft, making every bite a pleasure. It's a cake that's both simple to make and sophisticated in taste, perfect for those who enjoy a little citrus and nuttiness in their baked goods.
Why You'll Love This:
The rich flavors of orange juice, combined with a mix of walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, provide a wonderful contrast to the soft cake base. This cake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also offers an aromatic experience that enhances its eating pleasure. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a cake that's both nourishing and satisfying, with the health benefits of nuts and the refreshing taste of orange.
Perfect Occasion:
This plumcake is perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a morning brunch, or as a delightful finish to a family dinner. It's also a great choice for festive occasions, such as Christmas or Easter, where its flavors can complement the seasonal joy. Additionally, it makes for a thoughtful homemade gift or a special treat to bring along to gatherings.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, top the cake with almond slices before baking to add a lovely crunch and visual appeal. Once baked and cooled, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze can elevate its look further. Serving it on a decorative cake plate alongside fresh orange slices can enhance its natural beauty and charm.
Ingredients:
- 220 g all-purpose flour
- 160 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 90 ml vegetable oil
- 150 g mixed nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds), roughly chopped
- 120 ml fresh orange juice
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Almond slices for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla essence (or vanilla sugar), and grated lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the vegetable oil and orange juice while continuing to whisk.
- Once fully incorporated, sift in the flour, mixed nuts, and baking powder. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle almond slices over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (347°F) for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy this beautifully fragrant and deliciously nutty orange plumcake!