Mandarin Citrus Plumcake Recipe

Mandarin Plumcake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6

This Mandarin Plumcake is a delightful and refreshing twist on the classic plumcake, with the bright and tangy flavors of mandarins bringing a citrusy zing to the moist, fluffy cake. Ideal for a light dessert or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, this easy-to-make treat will surely impress everyone at the table. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mandarins
   Start by washing the mandarins thoroughly. Use a cloth to rub them clean and remove any dirt. Grate the zest of the mandarins and set it aside for later use. Once the zest is ready, cut the mandarins in half and squeeze out the juice. Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds and pulp, ensuring you get a smooth, clear liquid.

2. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using an electric hand mixer), beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The sugar should be fully dissolved, and the egg mixture should have a pale, airy texture.

3. Incorporate the Butter
   While the eggs and sugar are beating, melt the butter either in a double boiler over low heat or in the microwave. Once melted, slowly add the butter to the egg-sugar mixture, stirring constantly to incorporate it evenly into the batter.

4. Add Mandarin Juice
   Next, slowly pour in the freshly squeezed and strained mandarin juice into the egg-butter mixture, continuing to mix. The juice will infuse the batter with its refreshing citrus flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the plumcake.

5. Sift the Dry Ingredients
   Sift the all-purpose flour, potato starch, and baking powder together to ensure they are free of lumps and evenly distributed. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring gently to combine. This will help to create a smooth, homogeneous batter without overworking the gluten in the flour.

6. Prepare the Cake Pan
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 27 cm x 11 cm loaf pan with butter and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake later. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to make it even.

7. Bake the Plumcake
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the plumcake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.

8. Cool and Finish
   Once baked, remove the plumcake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. When the cake has cooled down, dust it with powdered sugar for a light, elegant finishing touch. Slice and serve!

Tips:

• Mandarin Zest: Be sure to use fresh mandarins for the zest, as this will give the plumcake a fresh and vibrant citrus flavor. The zest is essential to intensify the mandarin’s aroma in the cake.
• Butter Substitution: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with a vegetable oil or even Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This cake is perfect as an afternoon snack or a dessert after a meal. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra treat, you can serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

This Mandarin Plumcake is a soft, airy cake that balances the sweetness of sugar with the tangy freshness of mandarin citrus, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful dessert, and let the burst of flavor elevate your baking experience!

For more delicious and refreshing dessert ideas, visit Love With Recipes!