Stage 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Orange Zest: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the orange zest. Continue beating until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the orange juice, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the mixture. Beat until everything is fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Stage 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the Batter: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If you’re making cupcakes, they will need about 15-20 minutes.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Stage 3: Make the Orange Glaze
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if necessary to make a pourable glaze.
Stage 4: Assemble and Serve
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. You can also pour the glaze on the sides to let it drip down for a more decorative presentation.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve! It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply on its own as a refreshing dessert.
Additional Tips and Variations:
- For Extra Moisture: You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and extra creaminess.
- Add Almonds or Walnuts: For added texture and flavor, fold in some chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter before baking.
- Citrus Twist: If you like a more intense citrus flavor, you can replace some of the orange juice with lemon juiceor add a bit of lemon zest along with the orange zest.
- Make It Into Cupcakes: This recipe can also be adapted into cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners with batter and bake for about 15-20 minutes for individual servings.
Conclusion
This Orange Zest Cake is a wonderfully light, moist, and flavorful treat that highlights the bright, fresh taste of oranges. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or as a simple dessert, it’s sure to impress with its delicate texture and citrusy zing. The orange glaze enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful finish, making this cake a favorite for any citrus lover!