Elevate your baking skills: master the art of orange zest cake recipe

Elevate your culinary repertoire with our tantalizing orange zest cake recipe. This delectable treat combines the vibrant zest of fresh oranges with the sweet embrace of a tender cake, creating a symphony of citrusy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups (218g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (8g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) finely grated orange zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add dry and wet ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the orange juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. Add orange zest: Fold in the grated orange zest until well combined.
7. Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract

1. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cake: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Tips for a Perfect Orange Zest Cake:

• Use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
• Grate the zest before juicing the oranges to avoid bitterness.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Serve the cake with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh fruit for an extra touch of indulgence.

Variations:

• Lemon-Orange Zest Cake: Substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange juice and zest.
• Cranberry-Orange Zest Cake: Add 1 cup of dried cranberries to the batter.
• Almond-Orange Zest Cake: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds to the batter.
• Poppy Seed-Orange Zest Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the batter.

Health Benefits of Orange Zest:

• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function.
• Contains limonene, a compound with potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
• May help improve digestion and reduce cholesterol levels.

A Versatile Treat

Our orange zest cake recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert. It is also a perfect addition to any brunch or party menu.

“Final Thoughts: A Taste of Sunshine”

Indulge in the zesty delights of our orange zest cake recipe and experience a burst of citrusy flavors in every bite. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a tantalizing treat that will impress your family and friends.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

• Can I use orange extract instead of orange zest? Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of orange extract instead of the 2 tablespoons of orange zest.
• How long can I store the cake? The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Can I use a different size baking pan? Yes, you can use an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
• What other citrus fruits can I use? You can use lemon, grapefruit, or lime zest instead of orange zest.