homemade Orange cake

Here’s a delightful recipe for a homemade orange cake that is moist, flavorful, and bursting with citrus goodness:

Homemade Orange Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
   • In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice and whole milk.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Orange Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if necessary.
   • If desired, stir in the orange zest for extra flavor.
5. Glaze the Cake:
   • Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving plate. Pour the orange glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
6. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the homemade orange cake. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Orange Zest: Make sure to zest the oranges before juicing them.
• Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best flavor, but you can use store-bought juice in a pinch.
• Decoration: Garnish the cake with additional orange zest or thin slices of orange for a beautiful presentation.

This homemade orange cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a refreshing burst of citrus flavor in every bite. Enjoy the bright, zesty taste of this delightful cake!