This Orange Cloud Cake is a delightful twist on the classic citrus cake. It's airy, moist, and infused with a fresh orange aroma, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Its marbled design adds a touch of elegance, making it a show-stopper for any occasion.
Why You'll Love It:
- Flavorful: The fresh orange zest and juice provide a burst of natural citrus flavor.
- Light and Airy Texture: The cake is incredibly fluffy, almost like biting into a cloud.
- Eye-catching Design: The marble effect with a cocoa twist makes it visually appealing.
- Simple and Elegant: Ideal for both a sophisticated dessert or a casual treat.
For the Cake:
- 7 large eggs
- 2 cups of flour (305 grams)
- 120 ml of oil (½ cup)
- 300 grams of sugar (1½ cups)
- 180 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice (¾ cup)
- 10 grams of baking powder (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon of high-quality vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of Dutch cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 170°C (338°F) on a conventional setting.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a mixer, beat the egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and fluffy. Transfer to a bowl. Mix the oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract, then fold into the egg yolks.
- Dry Ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift half into the egg mixture and gently fold. Add the remaining flour and continue folding until well incorporated.
- Egg Whites: In a clean mixer bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar to form a stable, not too stiff, meringue.
- Combine: Gently fold the orange zest and then the meringue into the batter in stages until light and airy.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 24 cm diameter angel food cake pan, reserving ¼ of the batter. Blend the cocoa powder into the reserved batter and swirl into the pan to create a marble effect.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Final Touch: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or leave plain to showcase the marble design.
Enjoy this delightful Orange Cloud Cake, where every bite is a blissful blend of citrus freshness and sweet indulgence! 🎂🍊🫶