Introduction
Sicilian Orange Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Italian flavors through its vibrant use of oranges. This cake boasts a tender crumb and a zesty finish, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a centerpiece at a gathering, this Bundt cake is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon orange zest (freshly grated)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Bundt Pan
Grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray or butter and dust with flour. Ensure that all crevices are covered to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
Prepare Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and orange zest until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually pour in the olive oil while continuing to beat the mixture. Then, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the orange juice to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Cake
Place the Bundt pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Orange Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar if necessary.
Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Store the glazed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a different flavor, consider using lemon zest and juice in place of the orange.
Serving Suggestions
This bundt cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and can be garnished with fresh orange slices for an appealing presentation.
Cook techniques
Mixing the batter
Ensure that the butter and sugar are creamed together until light and fluffy before adding the eggs. This will help incorporate air and provide a better texture to the cake.
Adding zest
Grate the orange zest finely for maximum flavor integration throughout the cake. The zest can be added during the creaming stage.
Incorporating dry ingredients
Sift the flour with baking powder and salt separately before gently folding it into the wet ingredients. This prevents overmixing and keeps the cake light.
Baking in a Bundt pan
Grease and flour the Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure easy release of the cake after baking.
Checking for doneness
Use a toothpick to test the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
FAQ
Can I use a different citrus fruit?
Yes, you can experiment with different citrus fruits such as lemon or grapefruit for a unique flavor.
How do I store the Bundt cake?
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for about a week.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to three months.
What can I serve with the cake?
This cake pairs well with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a light glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar.
How can I tell if my cake is overcooked?
If the cake has a very dry texture and the edges are browned excessively, it may be overcooked. A toothpick test can help avoid this.
Conclusion
The Sicilian Orange Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of vibrant citrus flavor, perfect for any occasion. Its simple preparation and moist texture make it a versatile treat that can be enjoyed with coffee or as a sweet ending to a meal. This cake not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a touch of Sicilian tradition to your table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Lemon Drizzle Cake
A zesty lemon cake topped with a sweet glaze, offering a refreshing alternative to the rich flavors of orange.
Almond Flour Orange Cake
For a gluten-free option, this almond flour cake pairs beautifully with orange zest and juice for added moisture and flavor.
Chocolate Orange Bundt Cake
Combine chocolate and orange for a decadent bundt cake experience that satisfies both chocolate lovers and citrus enthusiasts.
Olive Oil Citrus Cake
Utilizing high-quality olive oil, this light and moist cake highlights the flavors of oranges and lemons together.
Mandarin Orange Upside-Down Cake
A twist on the classic upside-down cake featuring sweet mandarin oranges caramelized to perfection.
Citrus Poppy Seed Cake
Incorporate poppy seeds into a citrus-infused cake for an additional texture and flavor dimension that complements the oranges remarkably well.
