Zesty Orange Tea Cake Recipe

Orange Tea Cake
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Description
This delightful Orange Tea Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, ideal for pairing with a cup of tea. The balance of sweet orange zest and juice, combined with a soft and airy cake, creates a delicious treat. It’s simple to make with everyday ingredients and is a sure way to impress guests. Try making this cake for your next gathering and enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh oranges in every bite.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oranges
   Begin by squeezing the juice from the oranges, then grate only the orange rind, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. This will provide the fresh citrus zest to flavor the cake.

2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring that the pan is ready for the cake batter once mixed.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and smooth. This step is essential for achieving the cake’s airy texture.

4. Incorporate the Orange Flavor
   Add the freshly grated orange rind and the milk to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

5. Whisk the Egg Whites
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. This will help provide lift and airiness to the cake, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

6. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In another bowl, sift together the self-raising flour. Gradually fold the flour into the wet ingredients, adding a little at a time, and alternating with the freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix gently to avoid deflating the batter.

7. Fold in the Egg Whites
   Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, one spoonful at a time, until the batter is well-mixed and smooth. Be gentle to maintain the airiness from the egg whites.

8. Bake the Cake
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should rise beautifully and be golden brown on top.

9. Cool and Serve
   Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve with a cup of tea or as a sweet afternoon treat.

Enjoy the fresh, citrusy goodness of this Orange Tea Cake! It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or savoring on your own with a cozy beverage.