Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and eggs until pale and slightly frothy.
- Add the orange juice, orange zest, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with orange zest for an extra citrusy touch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Oranges: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest are essential for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense, so fold the ingredients gently.
- Even Baking: Rotate the cake halfway through baking for even browning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Orange Cake is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The vibrant citrus notes combined with the moist texture create a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for any orange lover, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Enjoy every citrusy bite of this delightful cake!