Walnut and Orange Cake

Nut and Orange Cake: a quick and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Remember the warm aroma of an autumn afternoon, when you stay home and indulge in a simple yet flavorful dessert. Today, I invite you to prepare a nut and orange cake, a simple recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. This combination of crunchy nuts and fragrant citrus will bring you joy in every slice.

Essential ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 100 ml sunflower oil (or olive oil for a stronger flavor)
- 150 ml fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- Zest from 2 oranges
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (10 g)
- 100 g chopped nuts (you can also use hazelnuts or almonds)
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as they will incorporate better and give a fluffier cake.

2. Beat the eggs with the sugar: In a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy.

3. Adding the oil: While continuing to mix, gradually add the oil, as you would for mayonnaise. This step is essential to ensure a smooth and airy texture for the cake.

4. Incorporate the orange juice and zest: Add the orange juice and grated zest, mixing gently until everything is well combined. The citrus aroma will make your dessert truly special.

5. The dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will help avoid lumps in the batter.

6. Combining the mixtures: Start gradually adding the flour mixture to the egg mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or whisk until the ingredients are fully integrated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the batter's aeration.

7. Adding the nuts: Finally, fold in the chopped nuts, which will provide a crunchy texture and rich flavor to your cake.

8. Preparing the pan and baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a loaf pan with butter or oil and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface.

9. Baking: Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice it browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.

10. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look, or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can also add 50 g of dark or white chocolate chopped into cubes for a decadent flavor.
- Instead of nuts, experiment with pistachios or almonds for a different texture.
- Replace the orange juice with lemon juice for a more tangy flavor.

This nut and orange cake is not only a simple recipe but also a dessert that brings joy to any table. Make it with love and enjoy every slice!

 Ingredients: -3 cups flour (450 g) -1 1/2 cups oil (250 ml) or 250 g butter -4 eggs -1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (300 g) -zest and juice of one orange -1 packet baking powder (2 tbsp) -2 packets vanilla sugar -rum essence, vanilla -1 cup raisins or cranberries, or both -150 g coarsely ground walnuts -if available, 3 tablespoons candied orange peel or slices of one orange, cut into pieces