Revel in the delightful zest of this Sunshine Citrus Sponge Cake, a treat that effortlessly combines the refreshing flavors of lemon and orange. This easy-to-make cake is light, fluffy, and infused with natural citrus oils, making each slice burst with vibrant flavor. The golden crumb, enriched by eggs from home-reared chickens, offers an exceptional eating experience that’s both satisfying and uplifting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: This sponge cake is not just simple to bake but also wonderfully versatile, perfect for any time of day, whether as a sweet breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert. The use of both lemon and orange zest provides a balanced, aromatic flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the cake.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, family desserts, or as a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. It's also a fantastic choice for bake sales or school events, where its universal appeal and simple ingredients make it a sure favorite.
Decoration Tips: While this cake is delicious on its own, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance or drizzle it with a simple citrus glaze for added sweetness. For a festive touch, top with thin citrus slices or zest before serving.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium eggs (preferably from free-range chickens for the best flavor)
- 250g sugar
- Zest of one orange
- Zest of one lemon
- 80g light olive oil or sunflower oil
- 200g milk
- 300g all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- 7g baking powder
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a cake mold with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix the orange and lemon zest with the sugar. This helps to release the citrus oils, infusing the sugar with a robust flavor.
2. Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and the citrus-infused sugar together until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add the oil in a steady stream, mixing continuously to incorporate.
- Alternate adding the milk and sifted dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder) to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined and smooth.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared mold, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the mold for a few minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice and serve the cake as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar. This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage.
Enjoy this Sunshine Citrus Sponge Cake, where the simple pleasures of baking and the fresh zest of citrus come together to create a truly delightful dessert.