Orange cake

Orange Cake - a citrus and aromatic delight, perfect for any occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 60-65 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The history of fruit cakes is fascinating, symbolizing joy and celebrations around the world. The sweet and sour combination of oranges with a fluffy and creamy texture creates an irresistible contrast, perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. This simple and quick recipe will always turn any moment into a celebration.

Ingredients needed for the base:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar (about 100 g)
- Zest of 1 orange
- A pinch of salt
- 175 g flour
- 50 ml fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Ingredients for the cream:
- 250 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- 1 medium orange

Ingredients for the glaze:
- 250 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 packet of jelly (for example, from Dr. Oetker)

Step by step to success:

1. Preparing the base: Start by separating the eggs, placing the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with a mixer until stiff peaks form. Then, gradually incorporate the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy mixture.

2. Adding the yolks and flavors: Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the zest and orange juice, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and gently fold with a spatula until no visible traces of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to maintain the fluffy texture of the base.

4. Baking the base: Line a tray of about 18x30 cm with parchment paper and pour the batter evenly into the tray. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the base for 30-35 minutes. Test with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Allow the base to cool completely in the tray.

5. Preparing the cream: While the base cools, you can prepare the cream. Peel the orange, remove the membranes, and chop it into small pieces. In a bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the powdered sugar and orange essence. Then, add the whipped cream and orange pieces. Gently mix until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

6. Assembling the cake: Once the base has completely cooled, pour the cream over it and level it with a spatula.

7. Preparing the glaze: Prepare the glaze according to the instructions on the jelly packet, using the freshly squeezed orange juice. Pour the glaze evenly over the orange cream and let the cake cool at room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge to set the glaze.

8. Serving: Once the glaze has set, you can cut the cake into squares. Serve it cold, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a cup of green tea for a pleasant contrast.

Useful tips:
- For an extra flavor, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the cheese cream.
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- You can also experiment with other types of fruits, such as lemons or grapefruits, to create a cake with different flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This orange cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and cottage cheese is a good source of protein. By using natural cream, you can better control the ingredients and avoid preservatives.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can also try whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze the cake? It is recommended to freeze only the base without the cream, as the cream may deteriorate upon thawing.

This orange cake can quickly become your favorite, both for its fresh taste and simplicity in preparation. Enjoy every slice and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 3 eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, grated peel of one orange, a pinch of salt, 175g flour, 50 ml fresh orange juice, 1 tsp baking powder. For the cream: 250g cottage cheese, 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 200ml liquid cream, 1 tsp orange essence, 1 orange. For the glaze: 250ml orange juice, 1 packet Dr. Oetker jelly.