Torta de laranja, or Portuguese orange cake, is a delight for the senses. Imagine a light, fluffy cake infused with the bright, zesty aroma of fresh oranges. One bite and you’re transported to a sunny orchard in the Algarve, the sweet, tangy flavor dancing on your tongue. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, and promises a rewarding baking experience with a truly scrumptious result. Let’s bring a taste of Portugal to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the cake:
- 2 large oranges
- 6 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the glaze (optional but highly recommended):
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- Juice of 1 orange
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Baking pan (9-inch round or equivalent)
- Parchment paper
- Blender or food processor
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Zester (optional)
Let’s Bake!
Step 1: Preparing the Oranges
- Wash the oranges thoroughly.
- Cut the oranges into quarters, removing any seeds.
Expert Tip: “The type of orange you use greatly impacts the flavor of your torta,” says Chef Maria Silva of Lisbon Culinary Institute. “I recommend using a sweet orange variety like Navel or Valencia for a balanced taste.”
Step 2: Blending the Batter
- In your blender or food processor, combine the orange quarters, eggs, sugar, and baking powder.
- Blend until you have a smooth, homogenous mixture.
FAQ: Can I use orange juice instead of whole oranges?
While orange juice can be used in a pinch, using whole oranges provides a more intense orange flavor and a wonderful texture to the cake.
Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the blended orange mixture into a large bowl.
- Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 4: Baking the Torta
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease your baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tip: Every oven is different. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Step 5: Making the Glaze (Optional)
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and lump-free.
Step 6: Cooling and Glazing
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, drizzle the glaze over the cake.
Tip: For a more rustic look, skip the glaze and simply dust the cake with powdered sugar.
Torta de Laranja – Whole
Enjoying Your Torta de Laranja
This delightful cake is incredibly versatile. Enjoy a slice for breakfast with a cup of coffee, serve it as a light dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or savor it as an afternoon treat with tea.
Serving Suggestion: Pair your torta de laranja with a glass of Vinho Verde, a light and refreshing Portuguese wine, for a truly authentic experience.
Torta de Laranja – Slice
Wrapping Up
Making torta de laranja is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying this taste of Portugal in no time. Share the joy of baking and share this recipe with your friends and family. Don’t forget to tell us about your torta de laranja adventures in the comments below!
