Description
This Orange Juice Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring fresh orange juice and zest for a bright citrus taste. Perfectly spiced with a hint of cinnamon, this easy-to-make cake is great for any occasion and serves 8 people. It is baked to a tender crumb and offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tangy freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 large orange
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon if using. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth. Add the fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the zest of one large orange. Mix thoroughly to combine all the wet ingredients evenly.
- Create the Batter: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture using a spatula until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the cake tender and light.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates the cake is fully cooked through.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.
Notes
- For a more intense orange flavor, consider adding extra orange zest to the batter or using freshly squeezed juice.
- The ground cinnamon is optional but adds a lovely warm undertone to the cake.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake texture.
- To check for doneness, the toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- You can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra sweetness.
