Orange cake

Orange cake is a delightful and citrusy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s typically moist, tender, and bursting with fresh orange flavor. Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious orange cake:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 2 medium oranges)
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

For the Orange Syrup (optional):

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
4. Add Eggs and Orange Zest:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the orange zest.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and yogurt (or sour cream), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Make the Orange Syrup (optional):
   • While the cake is baking, prepare the orange syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
8. Cool and Glaze:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Orange Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth and drizzling consistency. Stir in orange zest if desired.
10. Finish and Serve:
    • Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top of the cake.
    • Optionally, you can poke holes in the top of the cake with a toothpick and brush the orange syrup over the cake for extra moisture and flavor.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
    • Slice the orange cake and serve. Enjoy the moist and flavorful citrusy goodness!

This orange cake is perfect for tea time, dessert, or any special occasion. The combination of fresh orange zest, juice, and a hint of tangy glaze makes it a refreshing treat that everyone will love.