Are you craving a deliciously moist and flavorful cake but want to keep it plant-based? Look no further! This vegan orange cake recipe is bursting with sunshine-y citrus notes and is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a weekend treat, a special occasion, or just because you deserve a little deliciousness, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your homemade cooking repertoire. It's one of those easy recipes that yields surprisingly impressive results, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is a crucial step for even leavening.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, applesauce, almond milk, orange juice, olive oil, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. Don't overmix!
Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be careful!
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the minimum baking time. Oven temperatures can vary.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here for a perfect cake.
Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides.
Tips for the Best Vegan Orange Cake:
- Fresh is Best: Using freshly squeezed orange juice and zest will significantly enhance the flavor of your cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients will help them blend together more easily and create a more even texture.
- Check for Doneness: Always check your cake for doneness before the minimum baking time is up, as ovens can vary.
Variations:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Lemon Cake: Substitute lemon juice and zest for the orange.
- Spiced Orange Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always a good idea to use a nutrition calculator for a precise analysis.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Sugar: 20-25g
This vegan orange cake recipe is a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional cakes. It's a quick dinner idea dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe! It's a truly wonderful addition to your collection of best recipes.