Description
Sicilian Whole Orange Cake is a moist, citrus-infused dessert featuring entire oranges blended into the batter for a vibrant and aromatic flavor. This easy-to-make Italian cake combines the zest and sweetness of fresh oranges with a tender crumb, making it perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a light dessert. Naturally rich in orange flavor and beautifully textured, it’s a delightful treat that holds well for days and improves in flavor overnight.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 2 whole oranges (seedless, thin-skinned, about 1 pound total)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Oranges: Wash the oranges thoroughly. Cut them into chunks, removing any seeds. Place the oranges, including peel, into a food processor or blender and blend until completely smooth.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the blended oranges and vegetable oil, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use organic oranges as the peel is blended directly into the batter, ensuring no pesticides alter the flavor.
- Try blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges to give the cake a unique and beautiful color and flavor variation.
- This cake stores well in an airtight container and tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
