Orange Cake (Torta all’Arancia)
Category: Desserts
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 80g |
| All-purpose flour | 270g |
| Eggs | 165g |
| Sugar | 125g |
| Orange juice | 180g |
| Orange zest | 2 oranges |
| Baking powder | 10g |
| Powdered sugar | To taste (for dusting) |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Orange Zest
Start by grating the zest of two fresh, juicy oranges. Set the zest aside and cut the oranges in half. Extract the juice and keep it ready for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Next, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together into a large mixing bowl. This helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed in the batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar and butter (cut into cubes and at room temperature). Add the grated orange zest into the bowl. Using the paddle attachment, mix the ingredients on medium speed until they form a smooth and fluffy mixture. This should take about 3–4 minutes. The key to a tender cake is ensuring that the butter and sugar are well creamed together.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue mixing on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and airy. This will add moisture and richness to the batter.
Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Once the eggs are fully incorporated, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the bowl, one spoonful at a time. Mix on low speed until all the flour is absorbed, ensuring that the mixture stays light and airy.
Step 6: Add the Orange Juice
With the mixer still running on low, slowly pour in the fresh orange juice. This will help create a smooth, homogeneous batter. Continue mixing until the batter is fully combined and there are no traces of flour left. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain a tender texture.
Step 7: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 24 cm round cake pan with butter and dust it lightly with flour. This ensures that the cake will come out easily once baked. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper.
Step 8: Pour and Bake
Pour the smooth batter into the prepared cake pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to make sure the surface is level. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 22g |
This Orange Cake is a light, fluffy dessert that captures the essence of fresh oranges in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family gathering or a more formal occasion, this simple yet elegant cake will surely impress with its delicate texture and refreshing citrus flavor. The addition of both orange zest and juice infuses the cake with a rich, vibrant taste, while the dusting of powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy citrus notes perfectly.
