Fluffy Orange Almond Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Fluffy Orange Almond Cake is a delightful blend of citrus and nutty flavors, perfect for any occasion. It's light, moist, and topped with crunchy sliced almonds, making it a treat you'll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients for Fluffy Orange Almond Cake

The flour provides the structure for the cake, ensuring it holds together while remaining soft. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb. The rich flavor of unsalted butter makes the cake moist and adds a delicious buttery taste. Almond milk complements the almond flavor and keeps the cake dairy-free for those who need it. Fresh orange juice and orange zest give the cake its bright citrusy notes. Eggs add richness and aid in binding the ingredients together. Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while baking powder and baking soda ensure the cake rises beautifully. Finally, a touch of salt balances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Zest the orange before juicing it to make the process easier.
  • If you don't have almond milk, regular milk or another non-dairy milk can be substituted.
  • For a more intense orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of orange zest.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent treat, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. It also makes a delightful addition to afternoon tea or brunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can substitute with regular milk or any other non-dairy milk you prefer.
How do I store the cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Fluffy Orange Almond Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it well to prevent sticking. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Now, take a large bowl and cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the cake's fluffy texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain that airy consistency.

Next, mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest. The citrus aroma is quite refreshing at this point and promises a delicious flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the almond milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top, distributing them evenly to ensure every slice has a bit of crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This slight cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to handle. Allow the cake to cool completely on the rack before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of citrus and almond flavors.
  • Light texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Quick and straightforward to make, ideal for busy schedules.
  • A great option for those who prefer a not-too-sweet dessert.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sliced almonds for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with almond milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the batter.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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