Zesty Orange Spice Cake with Marmalade Glaze

Orange Spice Cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Keywords: Easy, Beginner Cook, Oven, Less than 60 Minutes

Description:
This delightful Orange Spice Cake brings the warmth of spices together with the vibrant citrus notes of orange. The recipe has been adjusted to enhance the orange flavor, making it a perfect dessert for a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering. The combination of orange zest, ginger, and cinnamon fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and yields a moist cake that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients & Quantities

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 9 servings

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when your cake is ready to bake.

2. Prepare the Pan
   Take a 9-inch square baking pan and generously spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Set the pan aside.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:

   • 1 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour
   • 1/3 cup of sugar
   • 1 1/2 cups of Splenda sugar substitute (for reduced sugar)
   • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
   • 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
   • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
   • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
     Use a whisk to blend them together until well incorporated.

4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:

   • 1/2 cup of orange juice
   • 1/2 cup of molasses (or substitute with sorghum if you prefer a milder flavor)
   • 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest
   • 1 teaspoon of orange extract (for an extra burst of citrus flavor)
   • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
   • 1 large egg
     Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.

5. Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures
   Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the batter is just moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.

6. Pour the Batter and Bake
   Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

7. Add the Orange Marmalade
   While the cake is still warm, spoon the orange marmalade over the top. The warmth of the cake will help the marmalade to spread and infuse the cake with a deeper orange flavor.

8. Cool and Garnish
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can garnish each slice with whipped topping and fresh orange slices for an added touch of elegance.

Serving Suggestions

This Orange Spice Cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. If you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, you could drizzle a light orange glaze or dust it with powdered sugar for a festive look. The whipped topping and orange slices add a refreshing touch, complementing the rich spices and citrus flavors in the cake.

Enjoy this easy-to-make cake that bursts with the vibrant flavors of orange, ginger, and cinnamon, and relish its moist, tender crumb. It’s an ideal dessert for any occasion, especially when you’re in the mood for something quick, flavorful, and wholesome.