Orange cake

Orange Cake – A Fluffy Delicacy with a Spring Flavor

Imagine a sunny spring day, with the sun's rays caressing your face as you savor a slice of orange cake, full of freshness and flavor. This fluffy cake, with a layer of smooth cream and a shiny orange jelly, is perfect for any occasion, especially for celebrations or festive meals. Here’s how you can prepare it, step by step, to enjoy a delicacy that combines sweetness with a slight tang.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 10-12

Necessary Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 4 large eggs
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower)
- 100 ml sparkling water
- 150 g brown sugar
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 2 packs of cream cheese (about 400 g)
- 350 ml heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Juice of 2 oranges

For the syrup:
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey

For the jelly:
- 1 packet orange jelly
- 300 ml hot water

Necessary Utensils
- Cake pan (preferably with a removable bottom)
- Mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Knife for cutting the sponge

Preparing the Sponge

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk remains in the whites to achieve a perfect meringue.

2. Beating the egg whites: Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until foamy, gradually adding 100 g of brown sugar. Continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue that holds its shape.

3. Mixing the yolks: In another bowl, combine the yolks with the oil and sparkling water. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

4. Combining the mixtures: Add the yolk mixture to the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the meringue.

5. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour and baking powder over the egg mixture, gently mixing until there are no traces of flour. It is essential not to overmix, as this will keep the cake fluffy.

6. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan (greased with a little oil or lined with parchment paper) and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test. Let it cool completely.

Preparing the Cream

1. Whipping the cream: In a cold bowl, whip the heavy cream together with a packet of cream stabilizer until it becomes firm. This step is essential for achieving a stable cream.

2. Preparing the cream cheese: In another bowl, mix the cream cheese with 3 tablespoons of sugar and the juice of 2 oranges. Mix well until it becomes a smooth and creamy mixture.

3. Combining the two mixtures: Add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture, gently folding with a spatula to retain the air in the whipped cream. You will obtain a fluffy and delicious cream.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it with a sharp knife into two or three layers, depending on your preference.

2. Preparing the syrup: Mix the juice of 2 oranges, the juice of 1 lemon, and the honey in a bowl. Use this syrup to soak each layer of sponge.

3. Applying the cream: Place the first layer of sponge on a platter, generously soak it with the prepared syrup, then spread a portion of the cream obtained. Continue with the second layer of sponge, repeating the process.

4. Finishing the cake: If you chose to make three layers, add a final layer of cream cheese, then place the top layer. Soak the top of the cake as well.

Preparing the Jelly

1. Preparing the jelly: Meanwhile, prepare the orange jelly according to the package instructions, mixing the jelly packet with 300 ml of hot water. Stir well until completely dissolved.

2. Applying the jelly: Once the jelly has cooled slightly, carefully pour it over the cake, ensuring it spreads evenly.

Decorating and Serving

1. Optional decorations: For a more attractive appearance, you can add small pieces of orange on top of the cake, and for an even more intense flavor, you can sprinkle a little grated orange peel.

2. Cooling the cake: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight) for the jelly to set properly.

3. Serving: Serve the orange cake cold, ideally alongside a cup of green tea or an espresso, for a perfect contrast.

Useful Tips

- Alternative with other fruits: You can experiment with other fruits, such as lemons, kiwi, or berries, to create a personalized version of this cake.
- For an even fluffier cake, you can replace some of the oil with melted butter, but remember to let it cool before adding.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a different flavor.
- What if the sponge doesn’t rise? Ensure the baking powder is fresh and the oven temperature is correct.

Nutritional Benefits

This orange cake is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins from the fresh fruits. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, and the cream cheese adds a protein boost. Additionally, using brown sugar instead of white adds a caramelized flavor and makes this dessert a little healthier.

In conclusion, the orange cake is a dessert that combines fresh flavors with diverse textures and is perfect to be enjoyed on any occasion. Don’t forget to share it with loved ones and enjoy every slice!

 Ingredients: 4 oranges, 1 lemon, 4 eggs, 2 boxes of cream cheese, 350 ml of whipped cream, 1 packet of whipped cream stabilizer, 200g flour, 100 ml oil, 100 ml sparkling water, 150g brown sugar, 1 baking powder, 1 packet of orange jelly, 2 teaspoons of honey

 Tags:  cake paste portcullis