Orange cake
Orange Cake - an explosion of citrus flavors that will delight your senses! This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also adds a touch of elegance to your table. With a fluffy base and a delicious cream, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a party, or simply a weekend dessert. Let's venture into the universe of flavors and textures with this captivating recipe!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the base:
- 100g butter
- 150g sugar
- 250g flour
- 3 eggs
- 50ml milk
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- 1-2 drops of red food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant appearance)
- 10g baking powder
For cream 1:
- 300g sour cream
- 150g sugar
- 1 packet gelatin
- Juice from 2 large oranges
- 250ml whipped cream
For cream 2:
- 200ml whipped cream
- 70g sugar
- 50g cocoa powder
- 100g chocolate (dark or milk, as preferred)
Decoration:
- 3 oranges, peeled and sliced
- Gelatin for tart (optional, for a glossy finish)
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Don't forget to prepare a baking tray, which you can grease with butter and dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt until they become frothy and slightly lighter in color.
3. Add the sugar and continue to beat until the mixture becomes homogeneous. It's important for the sugar to dissolve well to achieve a fluffy base.
4. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly, then add it to the egg mixture. Mix gently.
5. Incorporate the milk and orange essence. If desired, you can add a few drops of red food coloring for a more attractive appearance.
6. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually incorporate them into the mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the base cool completely in the tray.
Step 2: Preparing cream 1
1. Hydrate the gelatin according to the instructions on the package.
2. In a bowl, whip the sour cream with the sugar until it becomes fluffy.
3. Add the orange juice and the melted gelatin (make sure it is not hot, to avoid curdling the sour cream).
4. Gently fold in the whipped cream, mixing lightly to maintain the airiness of the cream.
Step 3: Preparing cream 2
1. In a small pot, combine the whipped cream with the sugar and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
2. Once the mixture starts to boil, remove it from the heat and add the broken chocolate pieces. Mix well until the chocolate completely melts. Let it cool, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. After it has cooled, whip the cream with a mixer until it becomes fluffy.
Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Once the base is completely cooled, soak it with freshly squeezed orange juice to enhance its flavor.
2. Pour half of cream 1 over the base, smoothing it with a spatula.
3. Add the chocolate cream 2, then the rest of cream 1. You can use a spatula to create a nice effect between the two layers of cream.
4. Decorate the cake with freshly peeled orange slices, arranging them beautifully on the surface.
5. If you want a more sophisticated appearance, prepare the tart gelatin according to the instructions on the package and carefully pour it over the orange slices. This will give a glossy and attractive finish to your cake.
Practical tips
- Choosing oranges: Choose fresh and juicy oranges, as their flavor will greatly influence the taste of the cake. You can use organic oranges to avoid pesticides.
- Gelatin: Make sure the gelatin is well-hydrated and completely dissolved to achieve a smooth cream. You can use vegan gelatin for a version without animal ingredients.
- Variations: Instead of chocolate, you can try adding roasted nuts or coconut flakes to cream 2 for an extra texture and flavor.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fruit tea, which will complement the citrus flavors.
Nutritional information
This cake is delicious but also rich in calories. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, offering a combination of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, fats from butter and whipped cream, as well as proteins from eggs. Oranges provide a boost of vitamin C, contributing to the immune system and skin health.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use other types of fruit? Absolutely! You can replace oranges with lemons or grapefruits for different flavors. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar to taste.
How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits.
Is it suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using flax or chia eggs instead of eggs, plant milk instead of milk, and vegan sour cream. The result will be different but just as delicious!
With all this information, you're ready to start cooking! This orange cake will surely become a favorite in your family. Make it with love and don't forget to share the result with your loved ones!
Ingredients: Base: -100 g butter -150 g sugar -250 g flour -3 eggs -50 ml milk -orange essence -red dye -baking powder Cream: 300 g sour cream -150 g sugar -1 packet gelatin -juice from 2 large oranges -250 ml whipped cream -3 oranges for decoration Cream 2 -200 ml whipped cream 70 g sugar -50 g cocoa -100 g chocolate
