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Orange Cake

This moist orange cake highlights the bright, fragrant flavors of fresh oranges, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest from about 2 large oranges
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil
  • 3/4 cup fresh orange juice from about 2 to 3 oranges
  • 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Orange Syrup (Optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Orange Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it heat for 15 minutes.
  2. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust with flour. Alternatively, line the base with parchment paper.
  3. Let your eggs and butter sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Zest the oranges before juicing them.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Mixing Batter
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and fresh orange zest. Rub them together until fragrant.
  2. Add the softened butter and beat until pale and fluffy. Then add the vegetable oil and beat for another 30 seconds.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the fresh orange juice and sour cream. Gradually mix this into the butter mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients, until just combined.
Baking the Cake
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 38 to 42 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
Making Orange Syrup
  1. While the cake bakes, heat the orange juice and sugar for the syrup in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  2. Poke small holes in the cake and brush the syrup over it after baking.
Making the Glaze
  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  2. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh oranges for the best flavor. The orange syrup is key for moisture and flavor depth. Measure flour correctly to achieve the right texture.