Orange cake
Orange cake is a refined delicacy that combines the fresh citrus flavors with a soft and creamy texture. This is not an ordinary cake, but a customized creation designed to surprise and delight the taste buds. The total preparation time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the recipe is sufficient for 8 servings.
### Required Ingredients
For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of melted margarine
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 10 g of baking powder
For the cream:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 350 ml of milk
- 50 g of margarine
- 10 g of gelatin
- 150 ml of whipped cream
- 150 g of orange marmalade (or the pulp from 2 oranges, if you prefer a natural ingredient)
For the jelly:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 350 ml of orange juice (ideally freshly squeezed)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
### Preparation Method
#### Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a round baking pan with a diameter of 26 cm, greased with a little oil or margarine and dusted with flour.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a mixer until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving an airy base.
3. Add the melted margarine and gently mix with a spatula.
4. In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, then gradually incorporate them into the egg mixture. Mix gently with up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick test comes out clean. Once done, let it cool completely.
#### Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. In a bowl, mix the vanilla pudding powder with the sugar and 4 tablespoons of milk to form a smooth paste.
2. In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk. When warm, add the pudding mixture in a thin stream, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the cream thickens.
3. After the cream has cooled slightly, add the margarine and mix until smooth.
4. Hydrate the gelatin in cold water for 10 minutes, then dissolve it in a double boiler and incorporate it into the pudding cream.
5. Add the orange marmalade and mix well. Finally, gently fold in the whipped cream to maintain the airiness.
#### Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Place the cooled base on a serving platter and wrap it with a baking ring to prevent the cream from leaking.
2. Pour the vanilla cream over the base and level the surface. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to set.
#### Step 4: Preparing the jelly
1. In a bowl, mix the vanilla pudding powder with the sugar and a little orange juice.
2. Heat the remaining orange juice in a saucepan, and when warm, add the pudding mixture and continuously whisk until it thickens.
3. Let the jelly cool slightly, but not too much, so it doesn't set. Pour it over the cream in the fridge and level it.
4. Put the cake back in the fridge to set the jelly.
### Serving Suggestions and Variations
For an extra flavor boost, you can add grated orange zest to the pudding cream or jelly. Also, if you want a healthier option, you can replace the margarine with coconut oil. The orange cake can be served with extra whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
This orange cake recipe is perfect for festive occasions or simply to indulge in a family meal. Its sweet and tangy delight will surely become everyone's favorite!
Ingredients: Base: 4 eggs, 4 tablespoons flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons melted margarine, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 10 g baking powder. Cream: 1 packet vanilla pudding, 6 tablespoons sugar, 350 ml milk, 50 g margarine, 10 g gelatin, 150 ml whipped cream, 150 g orange marmalade (if you don't have it, crush the pulp of 2 oranges). Jelly: 1 packet vanilla pudding, 350 ml orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed and without acid), 4 tablespoons sugar.
