### Made Orange Cake
Making an Orange Cake is a wonderful way to incorporate the bright, citrusy flavors of orange into a sweet, moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’ve just made one or are looking for tips to perfect your next orange cake, here are some key pointers and a simple yet delicious recipe to ensure your cake comes out wonderfully flavorful and moist.
#### Tips for Perfecting Orange Cake:
1. **Use Fresh Oranges:** For the best flavor, use fresh oranges to extract juice and zest. The zest, in particular, packs a lot of citrus oils, which enhance the cake’s aroma and taste.
2. **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing, especially the eggs and butter (if using).
3. **Do Not Overmix:** After adding the flour, stir until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
4. **Mind the Bake Time:** Every oven is different; start checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
5. **Let Cool:** Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the cake set and prevents it from splitting.
### Simple Orange Cake Recipe
#### Ingredients:
– 1 3/4 cups flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Orange Glaze (optional):**
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch baking dish or skillet.
2. **Prepare Dry Ingredients:** Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder into a bowl. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the orange zest and mix well.
4. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a measuring cup, combine the orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
5. **Mix Batter:** Add the dry ingredients and the orange juice mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Bake the Cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool the Cake:** Let the cake cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. **Prepare the Glaze (Optional):** Whisk together the powdered sugar and enough orange juice to achieve a smooth consistency. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake.
#### Serving:
Serve your Orange Cake as is or with the optional glaze. Enjoy the delicious citrus flavor that makes this cake refreshing all year round!