Orange Honey Cake Recipe ๐๐ฏ
Overview:
This Orange Honey Cake recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that evoke memories of family gatherings and cherished moments. Inspired by traditional methods and infused with a hint of nostalgia, it’s perfect for dessert lovers seeking a taste of home. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 25 minutes, this recipe yields two loaves, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones or storing for future enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup honey
Instructions:
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Prepare Loaf Pans:
- Coat two 9 by 5-inch loaf pans with nonstick spray or grease them lightly.
- Line the bottom of each pan with a small piece of wax paper cut to fit.
- Spray or grease the wax paper and set the pans aside.
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Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Prepare Orange-Coffee Mixture:
- In a 2-cup measuring cup or small bowl, combine hot water and instant coffee granules.
- Stir until the coffee is dissolved.
- Mix in the orange juice concentrate to cool the coffee mixture and set it aside.
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Prepare Spice Mixture:
- In a small custard cup or on a piece of wax paper, combine cinnamon, allspice, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Set the spice mixture aside.
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Prepare Flour:
- Spoon the flour into proper-size measuring cups and level off the top.
- Sift the measured flour onto a large piece of wax paper or into an extra bowl to ensure a smooth texture for the cake.
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Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixer bowl, combine eggs, canola oil, sugar, and honey.
- Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat the ingredients together until completely combined, approximately 2 minutes.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Add the prepared spice mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until combined.
- Gradually add one-third of the flour and one-third of the orange-coffee mixture to the bowl, repeating twice until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Beat on low speed until the flour is completely mixed in, scraping the bowl if necessary.
- Increase the mixer speed to high and beat the batter for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes very smooth.
- Note: The batter will be thin.
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Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake the cakes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
- If needed, bake for a few extra minutes if there’s a wet spot in the center.
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Cool and Unmold:
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for 1 hour in their pans on a wire rack.
- The sides of the cakes should shrink slightly away from the pans.
- Run a knife around the sides of each cake to loosen them, then turn the cakes out of their pans and peel off the wax paper from the bottom.
- Invert the cakes so the tops are facing upward and allow them to cool completely on the wire rack.
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Storage and Serving:
- Wrap the cooled cakes well for storage using sturdy plastic wrap and/or heavy-duty foil.
- For optimal taste and texture, allow the wrapped cakes to “mellow” overnight before slicing.
- The tightly wrapped loaves can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for several months.
- To serve, slice each loaf crosswise and arrange the slices on a tray or platter, slightly overlapping for a beautiful presentation.
This Orange Honey Cake recipe is a testament to tradition and the joy of sharing homemade treats with family and friends. With its aromatic blend of spices and sweetness from honey and orange, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite for any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the delicious results! ๐ฐ
