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.
