Are you craving a deliciously moist and flavorful cake but need a gluten-free option? Look no further! This gluten-free orange cake recipe is bursting with sunshine-y citrus flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. It's the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a special celebration. This recipe offers a fantastic balance of moist texture and bright citrus notes, proving that gluten-free baking can be both delicious and satisfying. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet elegant dessert! This is one of those easy recipes that tastes incredibly homemade.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour (using gluten-free flour) a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake will release easily from the pan.
Combining Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen cake.
Creaming Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works well for this step. Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake.
Adding Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Add the orange juice gradually, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix.
Combining Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Incorporating Orange Zest and Milk:
- Stir in the orange zest and milk until evenly distributed.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Orange Cake:
- Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend: The success of this recipe relies on a blend specifically designed for baking, containing xanthan gum for binding.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten (even in gluten-free flour) leading to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Let the cake cool completely: This prevents the cake from crumbling when you slice it.
Variations:
- Chocolate Orange Cake: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Glazed Orange Cake: Make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little orange juice and a touch of vanilla extract.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to the cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator and input your exact ingredient measurements. Expect a serving size to contain roughly 250-300 calories, moderate fat, and a good source of carbohydrates.
This gluten-free orange cake is a delightful and easy-to-make treat. It's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying a healthy and delicious homemade dessert. Enjoy!