Citrus Spice Pecan Delight: Festive Pound Cake Recipe

Orange-Pecan-Spice Pound Cake Recipe

Introduction:

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Orange-Pecan-Spice Pound Cake recipe, straight from Southern Living’s December 2002 issue. This cake promises to elevate any dessert buffet, offering a perfect balance of citrusy zest, nutty crunch, and warm spices. Whether it’s a festive occasion like Christmas or Thanksgiving or simply a weeknight treat, this cake is sure to impress with its rich aroma and decadent taste.

Recipe Overview:

• Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
• Recipe Category: Dessert
• Keywords: Fruit, Nuts, Potluck, Winter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
• Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
• Review Count: 2
• Calories: 1126.7 per serving
• Servings: One 10-inch tube cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup butter
• 3 cups sugar
• 6 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 orange (for zest and juice)
• 1 cup sugar (for Orange Syrup)
• Pecan halves
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups finely chopped pecans into a generously buttered 10-inch tube pan, ensuring even coverage on the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.

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2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat well.

4. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating until blended after each addition.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add this mixture to the butter-sugar mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Beat at low speed until blended after each addition.

6. Add Flavorings: Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup pecans, grated orange rind, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and ground cloves until evenly distributed.

7. Fill the Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

8. Bake the Cake: Bake at 300°F for about 1 1/2 hours or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Prepare Orange Syrup: While the cake is baking, prepare the Orange Syrup. Remove the rind from the orange with a vegetable peeler, avoiding the bitter white pith. Squeeze the orange to get 1/2 cup juice. In a small saucepan, combine the orange rind, juice, and sugar. Cook over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and boil for 2 minutes. Set aside.

10. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Then, remove the cake from the pan and invert it so that the pecan crust is facing up on the wire rack.

11. Prepare Glazed Pecan Halves: While the cake is cooling, prepare the Glazed Pecan Halves. Combine the pecan halves and corn syrup, stirring to coat the pecans. Line a 15- x 10-inch jellyroll pan with parchment paper and coat it with cooking spray. Arrange the pecan halves in an even layer on the pan. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes, then stir using a rubber spatula. Remove from the oven, stir again, arrange in an even layer on wax paper, and let cool completely.

12. Apply Orange Syrup: Brush the top and sides of the pound cake gently several times with the hot Orange Syrup, using a pastry brush. Allow the cake to absorb the syrup after each brushing. Do not pour the syrup over the cake.

13. Final Touch: Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack. Optionally, arrange the Glazed Pecan Halves around the top of the cake or place them on each piece as they are served.

Conclusion:

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible flavors of this Orange-Pecan-Spice Pound Cake. With its warm spices, crunchy pecans, and zesty orange undertones, it’s a dessert sensation that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.