Orange Slice Gumdrop Cake Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Servings: 20
Yield: 2 loaves
Description:
If you’re a fan of the delightful chewiness of orange slice gumdrops, then get ready to fall head over heels for this Orange Slice Gumdrop Cake recipe! Bursting with fruity flavors and adorned with a luscious orange glaze, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re craving a sweet indulgence on a weeknight or need a crowd-pleasing dessert for a potluck or Christmas celebration. With its moist and tender crumb, studded with dates, coconut, and nuts, this cake is like fruitcake reimagined – only better (and without the jokes)! Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks, making it an ideal make-ahead option for busy bakers.
Keywords: Fruit, Nuts, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Christmas, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 467.9
- Fat Content: 20.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 10g
- Cholesterol Content: 67.2mg
- Sodium Content: 210.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 66.7g
- Fiber Content: 3.2g
- Sugar Content: 45.1g
- Protein Content: 7g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), chopped
- 1/2 cup orange slice gumdrops, chopped
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients:
- Allow the butter and eggs to come to room temperature for optimal mixing.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped orange slice gumdrops with 1/2 cup of flour. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans, ensuring to coat the bottoms and sides evenly.
- Line each pan with a strip of parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the long sides for easy removal later. This step will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
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Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer for about 30 seconds until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the butter, continuing to beat until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Alternately add the 2 cups of flour and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Beat on low speed just until the ingredients are combined, taking care not to overmix the batter.
-
Fold in Fruits and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the chopped dates, flaked coconut, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Next, fold in the coated orange slice gumdrops, ensuring they are well distributed but being careful not to overmix.
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Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
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Make the Orange Glaze:
- While the cakes are baking, prepare the orange glaze by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
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Glaze and Cool:
- Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately pour the prepared orange glaze over the hot cakes, allowing it to soak in and create a deliciously moist topping.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on wire racks for about 20 minutes to set slightly.
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Finish and Serve:
- After cooling slightly, carefully remove the cakes from the pans by lifting them out using the overhanging parchment paper.
- Peel off the parchment paper and allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks before slicing.
- Once cooled, wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap to keep them moist and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
- When ready to serve, bring the cakes to room temperature and slice into thick, generous portions to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
This Orange Slice Gumdrop Cake is a true delight for the senses, with its vibrant citrus flavor, chewy texture, and comforting aroma. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or indulging in a slice all to yourself, this cake is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this irresistible treat and savor the joy of homemade goodness with every bite! 🍊🍰
