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Nigella’s orange dream: the ultimate indulgence for your taste buds!

Emily Chen is the food blogger and recipe developer behind Cookindocs.com. With a lifelong passion for food, she enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes for home cooks to enjoy. Whether testing new ingredients or perfecting family favorites, Emily finds joy in cooking dishes from around the world.

What To Know

  • The fragrant zest will infuse the cake with a burst of citrusy goodness, while the juice adds moisture and tanginess.
  • Pair a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to the day.
  • Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for a warm and aromatic twist.

Dive into the delectable world of Nigella Lawson‘s orange cake recipe, a tantalizing treat that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This citrusy delight is perfect for any occasion, from cozy weekend brunches to elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 oranges (zest and juice)
  • 225g unsalted butter, softened
  • 225g caster sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 60ml buttermilk

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Zest and Juice the Oranges: Begin by zest and juice the oranges. The fragrant zest will infuse the cake with a burst of citrusy goodness, while the juice adds moisture and tanginess.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a tender and airy cake.
3. Beat in Eggs: One at a time, beat in the eggs until they are fully incorporated. The eggs act as a binder and provide structure to the cake.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents lumps.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
6. Stir in Orange Zest and Juice: Fold in the orange zest and juice. These ingredients will impart a vibrant citrus flavor and aroma.
7. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into a greased and lined 23cm round cake tin. Smooth the top and tap gently to remove any air bubbles.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 180°C (160°C fan-forced) for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Glaze: An Orange-Scented Drizzle

Once the cake has cooled, prepare a simple glaze to enhance its flavor and appearance:

  • 100g icing sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Whisk together the icing sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to set and create a glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions: A Culinary Canvas

This versatile orange cake can be enjoyed in various ways:

  • As a Morning Treat: Pair a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to the day.
  • For Afternoon Tea: Serve with clotted cream or whipped cream for a luxurious afternoon treat.
  • As a Dessert: Accompany with fresh berries or ice cream for a refreshing and indulgent dessert.

Variations: A Culinary Experiment

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe to create unique variations:

  • Spiced Orange Cake: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for a warm and aromatic twist.
  • Chocolate Orange Cake: Fold in 100g of melted dark chocolate to the batter for a rich and decadent flavor combination.
  • Orange and Almond Cake: Add 100g of chopped almonds to the batter for a nutty crunch.

Storage: Preserving the Zest

Store the orange cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze may become slightly sticky over time.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of orange?
A: Yes, you can use any type of orange you have on hand. However, navel oranges are recommended for their sweet and juicy flavor.
Q: Can I substitute buttermilk?
A: Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with an equal amount of plain yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Q: Can I freeze the orange cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Q: How can I make a gluten-free version?
A: Substitute self-raising flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

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Emily Chen

Emily Chen is the food blogger and recipe developer behind Cookindocs.com. With a lifelong passion for food, she enjoys creating easy and delicious recipes for home cooks to enjoy. Whether testing new ingredients or perfecting family favorites, Emily finds joy in cooking dishes from around the world.

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