Ultimate Orange Bundt Cake Recipe

Orange Bundt Cake (Ciambella all’arancia)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8

If you’re craving a light, fragrant, and delightfully citrusy cake, this Orange Bundt Cake (Ciambella all’arancia) is the perfect choice. Its irresistible aroma of fresh oranges and the moist texture from the butter make this dessert an instant favorite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or simply treating yourself to a homemade indulgence, this cake is simple yet elegant enough to satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used and serving size.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Butter:
   Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl (or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment), add the sugar. Grate the zest of one orange directly into the bowl, ensuring you capture all the fragrant oils. Using electric mixers, beat the sugar and orange zest together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is key to achieving a light texture in the cake.

3. Add the Eggs:
   Once the sugar and zest mixture is fluffy, crack in the eggs one by one. Beat the mixture well after each addition. The eggs help bind everything together, ensuring a smooth batter.

4. Incorporate the Flour and Baking Powder:
   Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder directly into the bowl. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures the ingredients mix evenly. Use the electric mixers to continue incorporating the flour into the wet ingredients at a low speed. If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to a lower speed to avoid a flour cloud.

5. Add the Butter and Orange Juice:
   Gradually add the melted butter and fresh orange juice to the mixture. The juice not only infuses the cake with a natural sweetness but also helps achieve a soft, moist texture. Continue mixing on a low speed until fully combined.

6. Prepare the Bundt Pan:
   Grease and flour a 24 cm (9-inch) Bundt pan. This ensures the cake will come out easily once baked. You can also use parchment paper for extra insurance.

7. Fill the Pan:
   Pour the prepared cake batter into the Bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface and make sure the batter is evenly distributed in the pan.

8. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the Bundt pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.

9. Cool the Cake:
   Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this brief cooling period, gently remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
    After the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. This simple step adds a delicate sweetness and enhances the appearance of your cake.

11. Serve:
    Slice the cake into 8 generous pieces. Serve it as is, or pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.

This Orange Bundt Cake is sure to brighten your day with its vibrant citrus flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for any occasion, from a family get-together to a festive celebration, it’s a simple yet sophisticated treat that everyone will love.

Pro Tip: If you prefer an even richer orange flavor, try adding a tablespoon of orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the batter. The alcohol will evaporate during baking, leaving behind a delightful hint of citrus.

Enjoy this classic Ciambella all’arancia and let its citrusy goodness transport you to sunny, warm days, no matter the season!