Orange Walnut Cake Recipe: A Delightful Citrus Twist with a Nutty Crunch
This Orange Walnut Cake, with its mild orange flavor and a delightful nutty crunch from walnuts, offers a unique twist on traditional cake recipes. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a subtly flavored dessert that pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee. Top it with a homemade orange icing and garnish with candied orange peel to make it even more special for your next gathering or afternoon treat. Whether served fresh out of the oven or enjoyed the next day, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Category: Dessert
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake (serves approximately 8-10 people)
- Rating: 5/5 based on 1 review
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Margarine | 1/3 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| All-purpose Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Golden Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Orange Rind | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5384.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 245.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 127.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 1232 mg |
| Sodium | 2511.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 781.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.1 g |
| Sugars | 535.2 g |
| Protein | 70.8 g |
(Note: Nutritional content is based on the entire cake. Adjustments can be made for smaller servings.)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or margarine, then line the bottom with waxed or parchment paper for easier removal. -
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and margarine with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and light in texture. -
Incorporate Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the mixture. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This will ensure an even distribution of the baking powder throughout the flour, preventing any lumps from forming in the batter. -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined, and the batter is smooth and thick. -
Add Flavorings and Mix-ins
Stir in the fresh orange rind and orange juice to infuse the cake with a bright citrus flavor. Add the chopped walnuts and golden raisins, stirring until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. -
Prepare for Baking
Pour the prepared batter into the greased and lined loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, smoothing the top. -
Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. -
Cool and Remove from Pan
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After this, carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. -
Wrap for Storage
If you’re not serving the cake immediately, wrap it in aluminum foil to keep it fresh. The cake can be enjoyed the same day or the following day for an even more pronounced flavor.
Optional Icing and Garnishes
- Orange Icing: Mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for an added burst of citrus sweetness.
- Candied Orange Peel: Garnish the top of the cake with a few pieces of candied orange peel to add both a decorative touch and an extra layer of orange flavor.
Tips for Success
- Easy Removal from Pan: To ensure your cake comes out of the pan easily, grease the pan well and line the bottom with waxed or parchment paper.
- Storage: This cake can be stored at room temperature, wrapped in foil, for several days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Variations
- Add More Nuts: If you prefer a nuttier texture, feel free to add more walnuts or even substitute them with pecans or almonds.
- Spices: For a spiced version of this cake, try adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Walnut Cake is perfect for serving at brunch, with afternoon tea, or as a simple dessert after dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, enhancing its citrusy undertones. The cake is also delicious on its own but can be made even more special with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy this delightful treat, whether you serve it immediately or save it for later!
