Blood orange cake. Just the name conjures up images of vibrant colors and exotic flavors, doesn’t it? This delightful cake is not only beautiful to look at, but it also boasts a unique citrusy flavor that is both tart and sweet. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that is surprisingly easy to make, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get baking!
What You’ll Need for this Zesty Treat
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this sunshine-filled cake:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed blood orange juice (about 4 blood oranges)
- 1 tablespoon blood orange zest
For the Blood Orange Syrup:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
For the Blood Orange Glaze:
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 5-6 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic baking tools for this recipe:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Two mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester
- Juicer
- Whisk
- Toothpick
- Cooling rack
Let’s Make Some Magic: The Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent your cake from sticking and make it easier to remove later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Together Butter and Sugar
- In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually Add Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the blood orange juice, and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Add Zest and Bake
- Fold in the blood orange zest. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Syrup
- While the cake is baking, prepare the blood orange syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the blood orange juice and granulated sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, poke holes all over the top using a toothpick. Pour the warm syrup evenly over the cake.
8. Cool Completely
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before glazing.
9. Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 5 tablespoons of blood orange juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more blood orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and spread evenly.
10. Let the Glaze Set
- Allow the glaze to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Blood Orange Cake
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Blood Orange Cake:
- Use fresh blood orange juice: Freshly squeezed juice makes a world of difference in both flavor and color.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Temperature is key: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaminess.
- Adjust glaze consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add more blood orange juice, one tablespoon at a time.
- Get creative with decorations: Garnish with blood orange slices, candied orange peel, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
FAQs About Blood Orange Cake:
Q: Can I use regular oranges instead of blood oranges?
A: While you can use regular oranges, the flavor won’t be as intense. Blood oranges have a unique tartness and a beautiful color that makes this cake special.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake can be made a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: My glaze is too runny. What should I do?
A: Add more powdered sugar to your glaze, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Blood Orange Slices
Conclusion:
There you have it! Your very own blood orange cake, bursting with flavor and ready to impress. This recipe is a beautiful balance of tart and sweet, making it perfect for any occasion. Share a slice with your loved ones and watch them savor every bite. Happy baking!
