A Slice of Sunshine: Italian Orange Cake Recipe
Are you craving a dessert that brings a burst of sunshine to your palate? Look no further! This Italian Orange Cake is a delightful blend of citrusy zest, fluffy texture, and subtle sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser that will transport you to the sun-drenched orchards of Italy with every bite.
Ingredients
2 medium oranges
3 large eggs, room temperature
1¼ cups sugar
1¾ cups plain flour
½ tsp salt
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1 tbsp baking powder
5 tbsp olive oil
5 tbsp plain or Greek yogurt
2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 22cm (9-inch) circular pan to ensure your cake doesn't stick.
- Prepare the Oranges: Zest the oranges and then cut them into wedges, making sure to remove the seeds and the white pith. This step is crucial to keep your cake from becoming bitter. Place the orange segments and zest in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve an applesauce-like consistency.
- Whip the Eggs and Sugar: In a mixer set to high speed, whip the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add the Olive Oil: With the mixer running on medium speed, slowly stream in the olive oil. This helps incorporate the oil smoothly into the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, nutmeg (if using), and baking powder to the egg mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Incorporate Yogurt and Orange Mixture: Add the yogurt to the batter and mix until well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the pulsed orange mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: This Italian Orange Cake is perfect on its own, but for an extra touch, serve it with a dollop of cream and slices of fresh or candied oranges.
Enjoy Your Homemade Italian Orange Cake!
This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the senses with its vibrant citrus aroma and beautiful presentation. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, this Italian Orange Cake is sure to brighten your day. Buon appetito!
