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Homemade Christmas Orange Cake recipe

Homemade Christmas Orange Cake recipe

4.8 from 7 reviews

This Homemade Christmas Orange Cake is a delightfully moist and flavorful treat, bursting with fresh orange zest and juice. Perfect for festive celebrations, this cake combines buttery richness with citrusy brightness, baked to a golden perfection in an 8-inch round pan. Its soft crumb and aromatic profile make it an ideal dessert to share with family and friends during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pan: Grease an 8-inch (20cm) round pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes very light and fluffy, which will help create a tender crumb.
  3. Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth and even batter.
  4. Add flavorings: Stir in the fresh orange zest and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a vibrant citrus aroma and sweetness.
  5. Sift dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and evenly distribute the leavening.
  6. Combine ingredients: Gently fold half of the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then pour in the fresh orange juice and milk, mixing gently to keep the batter light.
  7. Add remaining dry ingredients: Fold in the rest of the dry ingredients carefully to create a smooth, thick batter without overmixing.
  8. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake at 170°C (338°F) for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring perfect texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, you can brush the cooled cake with a simple orange syrup made by mixing orange juice with sugar.
  • Use fresh oranges for zest and juice to get the best flavor; frozen juice may alter the taste and moisture content.
  • This cake can be decorated with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or candied orange slices for an elegant presentation.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for better mixing and texture.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend, adjusting liquid as necessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas cake, orange cake, holiday dessert, homemade cake, festive recipe, citrus cake, baking recipe, moist cake