Cream Butter and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Add Oil and Mix Again: Pour in the vegetable oil and gently mix until the batter is smooth and evenly incorporated.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if necessary, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving: This orange cake is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Garnish with additional orange zest or fresh orange slices for an elegant touch.
Storing: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To prevent the cake from drying out, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing it.
Freezing: This cake freezes well! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature before glazing.
Perfect for Special Occasions: This cake is a great addition to birthday parties, baby showers, or holiday gatherings. You can even bake it in advance and freeze it until you’re ready to serve.
Variants:
Chocolate Orange Cake: For a delicious twist, add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients to make a chocolate orange cake. You can also mix in some mini chocolate chips to the batter for added richness.
Orange and Almond Cake: Substitute half of the flour with ground almonds for a denser, more flavorful cake. This variant adds a nutty undertone that pairs wonderfully with the citrus flavor.
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a glaze, top the cake with a rich orange cream cheese frosting. Simply mix cream cheese with powdered sugar, a bit of orange juice, and a touch of vanilla for a creamy topping that complements the cake’s flavor.
Vegan Orange Cake: For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs and use a dairy-free milk like almond milk. Use a plant-based butter substitute for the butter and opt for a vegan glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice.
FAQ:
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh? While fresh orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant taste, but bottled juice will still work.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Just be sure to glaze it right before serving to ensure it’s fresh and vibrant.
Can I use a different type of oil? Vegetable oil works best for this recipe as it doesn’t interfere with the flavor. However, you can substitute it with other neutral oils, such as canola or sunflower oil.
How can I make the cake more citrusy? If you love a strong citrus flavor, you can increase the orange zest in the batter and glaze. You could also add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy punch.
Can I make this cake without a glaze? Absolutely! If you prefer a simpler cake, you can skip the glaze altogether. The cake will still be delicious and flavorful thanks to the fresh orange juice and zest in the batter.
Conclusion: This famous orange cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a deliciously sweet and citrusy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and vibrant orange flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you serve it as-is or dress it up with a glaze or frosting, this cake will brighten any dessert table. Try it out today and enjoy a slice of sunshine!
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