What’s something about the smell of citrus baking in the oven that instantly transports me to another world? Back to my Yiayia’s kitchen. She always had some sort of treat simmering or baking, and this Greek Orange Cake Recipe was one of them. What are my absolute favorite songs? Is this a cousin to pound cake? What is the flavor that just sings? What is the best thing about this cake? What is the secret of fresh oranges?
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What is Greek Orange Cake?
Think of it as a citrusy hug in cake form. It’s a moist, tender cake infused with the vibrant flavor of fresh oranges. The beauty of this particular Greek Orange Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the orange is used. What is the best flavor? It’s not overly sweet or heavy. Is this a light and refreshing treat that can be enjoyed any time of day? It’s traditionally made with olive oil, which gives it a unique texture and subtle richness. What do you like about butter-based cakes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of fresh orange juice and zest creates this bright, zesty, and slightly tangy taste that is truly addictive. It’s not just sweet; it’s complex and interesting. The olive oil adds this subtle fruity note that complements the orange beautifully.
What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, you don’t need to be a master baker to pull this off. It’s a straightforward recipe with simple ingredients that most of us already have in our pantry. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Oranges are usually pretty affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are staples that you probably already have.
And let’s not forget about versatility! You can enjoy this cake plain, with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, or with a luscious orange glaze (which I highly recommend!). It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a midday snack. I’ve even served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make, this Greek Orange Cake Recipe is a winner. It’s far less fussy than a lemon meringue pie and delivers just as much citrusy satisfaction!
How do I make Greek Orange Cake?
Quick Overview
Making this Greek Orange cake recipe is surprisingly simple! You’ll essentially whisk together the dry ingredients, combine the wet ingredients (including lots of fresh orange juice!), then gently fold them together. Pour the batter into a pan, bake until golden brown, and then drizzle with a simple orange glaze. The best part? The whole process takes about an hour, start to finish. Seriously, it’s quicker than running to the bakery!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
* 3 large eggs
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup olive oil (extra virgin is best for flavor)
* 1 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2-3 oranges) – really squeeze them until they beg for mercy!
* 2 tablespoons orange zest (from about 2 oranges) – make sure it’s finely grated
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice – add gradually until you reach your desired consistency
How do I learn to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. Can you use a bundt pan? I find that greasing and flouring prevents the cake from sticking and ensures a clean release. I use baking spray with flour in it – a lifesaver!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is evenly distributed – this helps the cake rise properly. I always give it a good whisk for at least 30 seconds.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, gradually add the olive oil, orange zest, and vanilla extract. I always add olive oil slowly to make sure it emulsifies properly. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cake. Overmixing can result in a tough cake! I usually stop mixing when I still see streaks of flour, then gently fold them in with a fork. This keeps the cake nice and tender.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 30 minutes. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange zest. How do you make juice until smooth. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle it with the glaze. I like to use a spoon to create slick, even coating. I just dunk the whole thing because glaze is amazing.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Slice and serve! What is a good side dish to serve with whipped cream? Vanilla Ice Cream. I sometimes add fresh orange slices for garnish. Is it good to serve it as a dessert?
What is the best way to serve it?
What is a Greek orange cake recipe?For Breakfast:Pair it with a strong cup of Greek coffee for an authentic experience. I love serving it on a pretty plate with some orange segments for sprinkling of color.For Brunch:Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like frittatas, quiches, and mimosas. What are some good ways to add sweetness to your brunch spread?As Dessert:After dinner, this cake is perfect with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. I also like to serve it with a glass of sweet dessert wine.For Cozy Snacks:Is this a good cake to serve with tea or coffee? What is the perfect comfort food for a chilly afternoon? My family always requests it when they’re feeling under the weather because the citrus is so good.
How do I make a Greek orange cake?
How can I make a Greek Orange Cake?Orange Prep:What are some good ways to use fresh, juicy oranges for the best flavor? How do you roll oranges on the counter before juicing to release more juice?Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined. I always use a light hand when folding in the dry ingredients. I’ve ruined a few cakes by being too aggressive!
Ingredient Swaps:Can you substitute olive oil with vegetable oil if you prefer? What are some of the flavors that I love? I’ve tried it with melted coconut oil and it turned out great.Baking Tips:Keep an eye on the cake while it’s baking. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for baking. I had to get mine checked after a few baking disasters.Glaze Variations:How do you add orange liqueur to a glaze? I sometimes add a pinch of orange zest to the glaze for texture. If you really want to amp up the citrus flavor, try using blood oranges. Is there a flavor profile to these ice creams?
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This Greek Orange Cake Recipe stores really well!
Room Temperature: 1Can you store a cake at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container? Make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out.Refrigerator Storage: HowFor longer storage, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you have a baby, make sure it’s in an airtight container.What is the best wayCan you freeze a cake for up to 2 months? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. What is the best way to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving? I prefer to freeze it without glaze, and then add the glaze after thawing.Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the cake for more than a day, I recommend waiting to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Greek Orange Cake Recipe isn’t just a recipe; it’s a taste of sunshine, a memory of my Yiayia’s kitchen, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough for a special occasion. The vibrant orange flavor and moist, tender crumb make it truly irresistible. If you love citrus, you absolutely have to try this cake! And if you enjoy this one, you should definitely check out my recipe for Greek Lemon Potatoes – they’re just as bright and flavorful! Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Please leave a comment below and let me know if you try it!
Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe: Why Citrus Lovers Can't Resist It!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
For the Drizzle
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Meanwhile, make the drizzle by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and drizzle with the lemon glaze.
