This Orange and Coconut Cake is light, moist, and packed with the fresh, zesty flavor of oranges. The addition of honey and coconut flakes makes it a delightful treat, perfect for tea time or as a sweet dessert.
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Active Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 200 g (1 cup) sugar
- 60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
- 150 ml (⅔ cup) fresh orange juice (juice of 1 orange)
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 220 g (1¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Topping:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Coconut flakes, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish (about 24 cm) with 1 tablespoon of soft butter and lightly dust with flour.
- In a mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs with a pinch of salt until slightly frothy.
- Add 200 g of sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
- Add 60 ml of vegetable oil and 150 ml of fresh orange juice to the egg mixture. Stir well.
- Add the grated zest of 1 orange for extra flavor.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- Sift 220 g of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold until combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Finish with Honey and Coconut:
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the warm cake.
- Sprinkle with coconut flakes for a delicious and decorative finish.
- Serve:
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy this delightful, zesty Orange and Coconut Cake!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert.
Cooking Tips:
- For Extra Moisture: Substitute part of the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Orange Zest: Make sure to grate only the orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Oranges: High in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Coconut Flakes: Provide healthy fats and fiber.
Dietary Information:
- This cake is vegetarian.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 80mg
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The cake can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bright and Fresh: The orange zest and juice add a vibrant, citrusy flavor.
- Moist and Tender: The cake remains soft and delicious for days.
- Simple and Quick: Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
Conclusion:
This Orange and Coconut Cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that brings a burst of citrus flavor to your table. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress with its moist texture and refreshing taste!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice?
- Fresh orange juice is recommended for a natural flavor, but you can use a few drops of orange extract if needed.
- Can I replace the sugar with honey or a sugar substitute?
- Yes, you can substitute sugar with honey, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor.
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- Yes, but the cake may be denser. Try using a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- What can I use instead of coconut flakes?
- You can substitute with chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, for added crunch.
- Is it okay to skip the honey topping?
- Yes, but the honey adds a lovely sweetness and sheen to the cake.
- How can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a direct replacement.
- Can I use another citrus fruit?
- Lemon or lime can be used instead of orange for a different citrus flavor.
- What can I do if I don’t have baking powder?
- You can use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda plus ½ teaspoon of vinegar as a substitute.
- Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the batter?
- Yes, adding chopped nuts or dried fruits can enhance the texture and flavor.
- How do I know if the cake is done baking?
- Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.