Indulge in the refreshing zest of this Moist Orange Cake, a superb treat that combines the tangy sweetness of oranges with a rich, buttery texture. Enhanced by an orange syrup soak and topped with a thick orange glaze and caramelized orange slices, this cake is a celebration of orange in all its glory. Perfectly moist and infused with natural citrus flavors, this cake is both a feast for the palate and a visual delight.
Why You'll Love This
If you're a fan of citrus flavors, this cake will undoubtedly captivate your taste buds. The process of soaking the freshly baked cake in orange syrup ensures that every crumb is bursting with juicy orange flavor, making it incredibly moist. The glaze adds a sweet, decorative finish that complements the softness of the cake, while the caramelized orange slices provide a gourmet touch that elevates this dessert from simple to spectacular.
Perfect Occasion
This Orange Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, from summer picnics and spring brunches to festive winter gatherings where a bright, citrusy dessert is appreciated. It's also an excellent choice for afternoon tea or coffee breaks, providing a refreshing twist to everyday snacks.
Decoration Tips
The beauty of this cake lies in its topping. Arrange the caramelized orange slices in a beautiful pattern on top of the glazed cake for a professional bakery look. For added sparkle, sprinkle some granulated sugar on the orange slices before caramelizing to give them a glistening finish. A few edible flowers or mint leaves can also be added for color contrast and a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
- Cake:
- 180 grams of butter
- 200 grams of sugar
- 4 eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- 250 grams of self-raising flour (or plain flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder)
- Juice of 1 orange
- Orange Syrup:
- 250 ml of orange juice
- 80 grams of sugar
- Orange Glaze:
- 160 grams of powdered sugar
- Orange juice (as needed to achieve a thick consistency)
- Caramelized Orange Slices:
- 100 ml of water
- 100 grams of sugar
- Orange slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in orange zest.
- Alternately incorporate the flour and orange juice into the batter.
- Pour into a greased 24 cm savarin mold. Bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the Orange Syrup:
- While the cake is baking, boil orange juice with sugar for about 4 minutes. Pour the hot syrup over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Let it soak and cool completely.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar with enough orange juice to make a thick glaze. Spread over the cooled cake.
- Caramelize the Orange Slices:
- In a pan, heat water and sugar until boiling. Add orange slices and simmer for 18-20 minutes, until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Arrange the caramelized orange slices on top of the glazed cake.
Enjoy this Moist Orange Cake with its lush, citrus-infused flavor and exquisite toppings—a true celebration of oranges in dessert form!