This vegan orange cake harnesses the fresh, vibrant flavors of oranges, combined with the rich, nutty texture of ground almonds and a sweet marmalade glaze. With a base layer of caramelized orange slices and a moist, fluffy texture, this cake is both visually striking and deliciously satisfying. It's a wonderful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to any table with its bright flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Why You'll Love This: This cake is perfect for those who enjoy a less traditional, more health-conscious dessert without sacrificing flavor. The use of plant milk, vegan butter, and olive oil provides a moist, rich base without any dairy. The fresh orange slices and marmalade offer a perfect balance of sweetness and zesty citrus tang, making each bite a delightful experience.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for brunches, afternoon tea, or as a celebratory dessert during spring and summer months. It’s also great for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries for those who prefer vegan options. This cake can be a beautiful centerpiece that's sure to impress guests with its appearance and taste.
Decoration Tips:
- After glazing, adorn the top with additional fresh orange zest to enhance the citrus aroma and add a pop of color.
- Decorate around the edges with edible flowers or mint leaves for a festive, elegant look.
- Serve each slice with a side of vegan whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
- For a little extra texture, sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds over the glaze before it sets.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 3 large or 4 small oranges
- 200ml soy milk
- 100g melted vegan butter
- 100ml olive oil
- 200g white or golden caster sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 200g self-raising flour
- 70g ground almonds
- 2 generous teaspoons of marmalade
- For the Glaze:
- 2 teaspoons of marmalade
- Splash of water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Tin:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan setting).
- Grease an 8-inch cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the parchment.
- Thinly slice 2 oranges and arrange them at the bottom of the tin, overlapping slightly.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy milk with the juice and zest from the remaining oranges.
- Add melted vegan butter and olive oil, mixing well.
- Incorporate sugar, salt, flour, and ground almonds. Whisk until fully combined.
- Stir in the marmalade.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin over the orange slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze and Serve:
- Warm the marmalade with a splash of water (about 15 seconds in the microwave) until slightly runny.
- Turn the cake out onto a plate and brush the top with the warm marmalade glaze.
Enjoy this delightful vegan orange cake with its luscious marmalade glaze, perfect for bringing a taste of freshness and zest to any occasion!