Description
This delightful Orange Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for citrus lovers. It combines fresh orange juice and zest with a tender, buttery crumb, baked to golden perfection in just 45 minutes. Ideal for casual gatherings or a sweet treat at any time, this cake offers a fresh twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly. Set the bowl aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation and a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Orange Juice and Zest: Mix in the fresh orange juice and orange zest until the batter is smooth and fragrant, bringing a fresh citrus flavor to the cake.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently fold them together without overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh orange slices.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor and aroma.
- Room temperature butter and eggs help create a smoother batter and better cake texture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
- If you prefer, substitute unsalted butter with salted butter but reduce added salt accordingly.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
