Whole Wheat and Jowar (Pearl Millet) Orange Cake with Orange Glaze
This Whole Wheat and Jowar Orange Cake with Orange Glaze is a delightful, healthy dessert that combines the richness of whole wheat flour and jowar flour (pearl millet) with the bright, citrusy freshness of oranges. The moist cake is infused with orange zest, and its final touch—a sweet orange glaze—adds an irresistible shine and tangy sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying it as a tea-time snack or a breakfast treat, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make and filled with wholesome ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Jowar Flour (Sorghum) | 1/4 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Eggs | 2 |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/4 cup |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter (melted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk (warm) | 2 teaspoons |
| Brown Sugar (for glaze) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Orange Juice | 1 cup |
| Rum or Port (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 150 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 5
Cuisine:
- Continental
Course:
- Dessert
Diet:
- Eggetarian (Contains Eggs)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and orange zest until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. The orange zest adds a fresh, fragrant citrus aroma to the batter.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In another mixing bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, jowar flour, and baking powder. This helps to ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps.
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Add the Flour Mixture to the Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually fold the sifted flour mixture into the egg-sugar-zest mixture. Stir gently, ensuring that the batter is smooth and well combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a denser cake.
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Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the warm milk and stir until well mixed. Pour this mixture into the cake batter, folding it in carefully to keep the batter light and airy.
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Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and dust a round or square cake tin with flour, ensuring that the batter doesn’t stick to the sides.
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Bake the Cake:
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased cake tin, spreading it evenly. Place the tin in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until fully cooked through.
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Cool the Cake:
- Once baked, remove the cake tin from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. While the cake is still warm, gently prick the surface with a skewer or fork to allow the glaze to soak in better.
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Prepare the Orange Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. If you’re using rum or port, add it to the mixture for an extra depth of flavor. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. The glaze should be slightly thickened but still pourable.
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Glaze the Cake:
- Pour the freshly prepared orange glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the pricked holes. This ensures that the cake becomes moist and imbued with the sweet citrus flavor.
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Serve:
- Once the cake has absorbed the glaze, allow it to cool completely before slicing. Serve it as a tea-time treat, a light breakfast, or a delicious snack. You can also pack it in your snack box for a healthy on-the-go option.
Tips for Success:
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Flour Substitutions: If you don’t have jowar (sorghum) flour, you can replace it with other gluten-free flours, but jowar adds a unique texture and mild flavor that complements the orange perfectly.
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Orange Zest: Don’t skip the orange zest! It brings a fresh citrus fragrance that enhances the flavor of the cake without being too overpowering.
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Glaze Variations: For a twist on the glaze, you can experiment by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to complement the orange flavor.
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Storing: This cake stores well in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Enjoy this Whole Wheat and Jowar (Pearl Millet) Orange Cake with Orange Glaze as a delicious and nutritious dessert, perfect for your family, friends, or any special occasion. Its balance of flavors and wholesome ingredients makes it a standout treat on your dessert table.
