This Orange Pound Cake is a moist and fluffy dessert that bursts with the refreshing flavor of fresh oranges. The combination of zesty orange juice and aromatic zest makes it a show-stopping treat, perfect for any occasion. Topped with a sweet and tangy orange glaze, this cake will satisfy your citrus cravings and impress your guests with its beautiful presentation. Whether you’re serving it at a party or indulging in a slice with a cup of tea, this orange pound cake will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this irresistible dessert!
Ingredients:
- 5 Eggs
- 1 ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ¾ cup Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Orange zest (from about 2 large oranges)
- 1 cup Fresh orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
- 2 ¼ cups All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
For the Orange Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons Orange juice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F). Prepare a 9-inch round baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- Separate the eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the egg yolks. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer with a balloon whisk attachment.
- Whip the egg whites: Begin whipping the egg whites on medium speed, slowly adding the sugar. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the egg yolks, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and vegetable oil. Mix until everything is fully combined.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until there are no visible lumps of flour.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the surface. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the orange glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until you have a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Decorate: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to run down the sides. Garnish with thin slices of orange and fresh mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: For best results, make sure your eggs and orange juice are at room temperature. This helps the cake rise evenly and achieve a light texture.
- Freshly squeezed juice: While store-bought orange juice can work, using fresh orange juice will enhance the flavor and aroma of the cake.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the flour into the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a denser cake.
- Check for doneness: Every oven varies slightly, so start checking your cake for doneness at the 40-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Nutritional Benefits:
- Vitamin C: Oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin vitality.
- Energy Boost: The sugar and flour provide carbohydrates, giving you a quick source of energy.
- Healthy fats: The vegetable oil adds moisture to the cake without the saturated fats found in butter, making this a slightly healthier option for a rich dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Citrus Burst: The fresh orange flavor shines through in every bite, making this cake irresistibly tangy and sweet.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the oil and whipped egg whites, the cake has a tender and moist crumb that stays soft for days.
- Simple and Elegant: This cake is incredibly easy to make yet looks stunning with the orange glaze and garnish, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Dietary Information:
- Dairy-Free: This cake does not contain any butter or milk, making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
- Vegetarian: This cake is made with plant-based ingredients, making it a great option for vegetarians.
- Nut-Free: The recipe does not contain any nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies. However, always check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Whipped Egg Whites: Whipping the egg whites and folding them into the batter creates a light and airy texture that prevents the cake from becoming too dense.
- Oil Instead of Butter: Using vegetable oil instead of butter makes the cake incredibly moist while still allowing the orange flavor to shine through.
- Balanced Sweetness: The granulated sugar adds sweetness without overpowering the natural citrus flavor from the orange juice and zest.
Conclusion:
This Orange Pound Cake with Orange Glaze is a delightful, citrusy dessert that brings together simplicity and elegance. The recipe is easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Its fresh, zesty flavor is perfect for any season, and the moist texture will have everyone reaching for a second slice. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake will become a go-to favorite. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with the added beauty of an orange glaze that makes this cake truly irresistible!