Absolutely! Here’s a delightful recipe for an Orange Gingerbread Cake that will surely captivate your taste buds with its warm, spicy flavors melded perfectly with the citrusy zest of oranges. This scrumptious cake comes together in a breeze, making it an ideal treat for those times when you’re craving a cozy yet refreshing dessert 🍊🍰.
Orange Gingerbread Cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 cake
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Flour |
| 1 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground ginger |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground cloves |
| 1/2 cup | Chopped dates |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1/4 cup | Vegetable oil |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh orange juice |
| 1/2 cup | Milk |
| 1 cup | Maple syrup |
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with a bit of oil.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Whisk them together until well blended.
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Add the chopped dates to the dry ingredients. Stir to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, fresh orange juice, milk, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
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Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
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Slice into squares or rectangles, and serve warm or at room temperature. You can dust the top with a bit of powdered sugar for a lovely finish.
Tips and Variations:
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Garnish: For an extra touch of elegance, decorate each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of orange zest.
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Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
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Glaze it Up: Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple orange glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice for added sweetness and tanginess.
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Make it Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax or chia seed “eggs” and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
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Storage: Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
This Orange Gingerbread Cake is a lovely twist on the classic gingerbread, combining the warmth of traditional spices with the brightness of fresh oranges. Perfect for gatherings, afternoon teas, or just a cozy night in, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delightful aromas wafting from your kitchen as you bake this delicious treat, and savor every bite of its moist, flavorful goodness! 🍊🍰
