1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly grease the paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Orange Zest: Stir in the orange zest to distribute it evenly throughout the batter.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the orange juice and sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and airy.
- Final Mixing: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and give the batter a final stir by hand.
2. Baking:
- Pour the Batter: Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto the rack, remove the parchment paper, and let it cool completely.
3. Making the Orange Syrup:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix the orange juice and sugar.
- Heat: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Apply to Cake: While the cake is still warm, brush it with the warm orange syrup. This will add moisture and enhance the orange flavor.
4. Preparing the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Stir until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency with more juice or sugar if necessary.
- Drizzle Over Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Serving:
Serve the orange cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The light and moist texture, combined with the sweet citrus notes, makes this cake a delightful treat for any occasion.
This soft orange cake recipe is straightforward but yields a sophisticated flavor that’s sure to impress. The inclusion of fresh orange juice and zest not only imparts a fresh and zesty flavor but also infuses the cake with a natural sweetness and vibrant aroma that elevates it from a simple dessert to an exquisite delicacy.