Description
This light and fluffy orange sponge cake is infused with fresh citrus flavor, creating a soft, airy texture. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed plain or with a glaze.
Ingredients
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
4 large eggs, room temperature
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
-
¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
-
1 tablespoon orange zest
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat the Eggs and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes until pale, thick, and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the sponge-like texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Gently mix in the orange juice, oil (or melted butter), orange zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
5. Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter—use light, folding motions.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
-
Glazed Orange Cake: Drizzle with an orange glaze made of powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.
-
Orange Almond Cake: Add ¼ cup of ground almonds for a nutty twist.
-
Chocolate-Orange Sponge Cake: Mix in ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: western
Keywords: orange sponge cake, citrus cake, easy sponge cake, fluffy cake recipe, homemade cake