This charming "Quilted Cake" gets its name from the beautiful, grid-like pattern of pastry cream that adorns its surface. With a light, fluffy texture and the refreshing flavor of orange and almonds, this cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. The delicate orange aroma combined with the richness of almonds makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving this for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon tea, it’s sure to impress your guests with both its appearance and taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake has it all: a light and airy crumb, the refreshing zest of orange, and the subtle nuttiness of almonds. The pastry cream adds a creamy richness, while the unique grid pattern on top gives it an elegant finish. The mix of orange zest in the batter enhances the cake’s freshness, while the almonds add texture and depth. This cake is easy to prepare, yet looks and tastes like a bakery-worthy creation. The combination of citrus, cream, and almonds makes it a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
Perfect Occasion
This cake is perfect for special gatherings, holidays, or even as an afternoon treat. Its light texture and delicate flavors make it ideal for spring and summer occasions, but it can also be a comforting dessert in the cooler months. Serve it with a side of whipped cream and macerated fruits for a full dessert experience, or enjoy it as is with a cup of tea or coffee. Its stunning design also makes it a showstopper for any dessert table.
Decoration Tips
The grid pattern of pastry cream is what sets this cake apart visually. Use a piping bag to create straight, even lines of cream over the batter before baking. For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the batter before piping the cream. Once baked, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar to enhance its visual appeal. If serving for a special event, consider garnishing with fresh fruits like berries or orange slices to complement the flavors and add a pop of color.
Ingredients for the Pastry Cream:
- 250ml milk
- Orange peel (one piece)
- 2 egg yolks
- 55g sugar
- 15g cornstarch
Ingredients for the Cake:
- 160g sugar
- Zest of one orange
- 3 eggs
- ½ teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- 90g melted butter
- 50ml vegetable oil (such as corn or sunflower oil)
- 180g all-purpose flour
- 50g ground almonds (or another nut of your choice)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions:
- Make the Pastry Cream:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk with the orange peel until it simmers.
- While the milk is heating, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes pale.
- Gradually pour some of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, then return everything to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth cream.
- Remove from heat and cover the surface of the cream with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 25cm springform pan with butter and flour or use a non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the sugar and orange zest with your fingers to release the oils and aroma from the zest.
- Add the eggs and whisk until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Mix in the melted butter, oil, and almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, ground almonds, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the surface.
- For the optional decorative touch, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.
- Use a piping bag to pipe the cooled pastry cream in a grid pattern over the batter, or simply drop spoonfuls of cream across the surface for a more rustic look.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once done, allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan.
- Serve:
- For a special touch, serve the cake with whipped cream and macerated fruits.
Enjoy this light, citrusy quilted cake with your favorite hot beverage or as a dessert centerpiece!