Citrus Burst Date & Walnut Cake 🍊🍰

Williamsburg Orange Cake Recipe 🍊🍰

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 9
Yield: 1 Eight or Nine inch square cake

Description:

This Williamsburg Orange Cake is a delightful treat with a subtle yet distinct orange flavor, perfect for any season. While traditionally enjoyed during fall and winter when dates and currants are abundant, the sunny citrus taste makes it equally enjoyable in the spring and summer. Plus, you can easily substitute small raisins for dates when they’re not available. With its blend of citrus, fruit, and nuts, this cake is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a versatile dessert option for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive Thanksgiving gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped dates or currants
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• Zest of 1 orange

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon margarine, softened
• 1 tablespoon cream sherry
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch square pan, ensuring it’s well prepared for baking.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy base for your cake.

3. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, adding richness and flavor to the batter.

4. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off. Blend together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed, ensuring your cake rises perfectly and has the right texture.

5. Alternate Adding Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Blend well after each addition, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter.

6. Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Stir in the chopped dates or currants, chopped walnuts, and orange zest, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.

7. Bake the Cake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that your cake is fully baked and ready to enjoy.

8. Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely before frosting.

9. Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, blend together all the frosting ingredients until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious topping for your cake.

10. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top, adding a final touch of sweetness and citrus flavor.

Notes:

• Avoid using self-rising flour for this recipe.
• For high-altitude baking above 3500 feet, increase the flour to 2 cups and bake at 375ºF (190ºC) for 45 to 50 minutes for optimal results.

Enjoy this delightful Williamsburg Orange Cake with its perfect balance of citrus, fruit, and nut flavors, making it a wonderful treat for any occasion! 🍊🍰