Welcome to the vibrant and fruitful season of citrus! As the air turns crisp and the festive spirit fills the air, the citrus trees adorning the farm come alive with a spectacle of juicy orange baubles. It’s nature’s way of decking the halls with vibrant, vitamin C-rich delights just in time for the winter.
There’s something inherently magical about how nature provides precisely what we need, especially during the colder months. The abundance of these tangy, sun-kissed fruits seems like a gift from the earth itself, bringing a burst of freshness when everything else seems dormant.
Amidst this citrus extravaganza, we’ve discovered a delightful way to celebrate the essence of these oranges – a simple orange sponge cake. This cake is a testament to the pure, unadulterated flavours of the fruit. It’s a celebration of the citrusy zing that dances on your taste buds with every bite.
But what’s even more wonderful is that we’ve crafted this cake in two unique variations. One is crafted without any restrictions, allowing its flavours to bloom unrestricted. The other cake, however, is a harmonious blend of inclusivity, crafted to be enjoyed by everyone. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free, ensuring that no one misses out on the joy of indulging in this citrus-infused treat.
The farm echoes with the aroma of oranges as we bake these cakes, each slice telling a story of nature’s generosity. So, as the citrus trees shimmer with their radiant globes and the aroma of freshly baked orange sponge cake fills the air, we invite you to join us in enjoying the magic of this citrus season.
Here’s a straightforward recipe for a delightful orange sponge cake:
Simple Orange Sponge Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 2 oranges
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Orange Zest and Juice: Mix in the orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. Combine until well incorporated.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be cautious not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or frosting.
This orange sponge cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of citrus in every bite. Enjoy it as is or top it with a light dusting of icing sugar.
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Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Sugar-Free Orange Sponge Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/2 cup mashed banana
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- Zest of 2 oranges
- Juice of 2 oranges
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 175°C. Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup (or agave nectar), banana, almond milk, melted coconut oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.
This vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free orange sponge cake is a wonderful way to enjoy the citrus flavours in a healthier manner. Enjoy this delightful treat guilt-free!