Sicilian Whole Orange Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Introduction
The Sicilian Whole Orange Cake is a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that captures the essence of fresh oranges in every bite. Made using the entire orange, this cake offers a natural citrus sweetness and a tender crumb that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 whole orange (preferably organic)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest from the orange (optional, for extra flavor)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: Wash the orange thoroughly. Cut it into quarters and remove any seeds.
- Step 3: In a blender or food processor, puree the orange until smooth.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange puree, granulated sugar, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
- Step 5: Pour in the vegetable oil and stir until fully incorporated.
- Step 6: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Step 9: Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 11: Before serving, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra burst of citrus flavor, include the orange zest in the batter along with the puree.
- If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the sugar by 2 tablespoons.
- Substitute vegetable oil with mild olive oil for a subtle fruity note.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, keep it refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of citrus fruit?
While this recipe is designed for whole oranges, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemons or mandarins, but expect some variation in sweetness and flavor.
Do I need to peel the orange before blending?
No, the orange is blended whole—including the peel—which adds natural oils and flavor. Make sure to remove any seeds before blending to avoid bitterness.
PrintSicilian Whole Orange Cake: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
This Sicilian Whole Orange Cake is a moist, flavorful citrus dessert made by blending the entire orange, resulting in a naturally sweet and fragrant cake with minimal ingredients. It’s an easy recipe that combines fresh orange puree with simple pantry staples to create an impressive and unique cake perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Sicilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole orange (preferably organic)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Zest from the orange (optional, for extra flavor)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Orange: Wash the orange thoroughly to remove any wax or residues. Cut it into quarters and carefully remove any seeds, as seeds can add bitterness to the cake.
- Blend the Orange: Place the orange quarters in a blender or food processor and puree until completely smooth, which will impart a fresh citrus flavor and moisture to the cake batter.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the orange puree with the granulated sugar and eggs. Mix these well until the mixture is homogenous and slightly thickened.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable oil and stir gently until fully combined, creating a smooth and cohesive batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake tough.
- Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth the top using a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and elegant finish.
Notes
- Using an organic orange is recommended since the whole fruit is blended, including the peel.
- Removing the seeds is important to avoid bitterness in the final cake.
- Do not overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients; this keeps the cake tender.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Optional orange zest can be added with the dry ingredients to enhance the citrus flavor.
Keywords: Sicilian Orange Cake, Whole Orange Cake, Citrus Cake, Easy Orange Dessert, Vegan Adaptable Cake, Moist Orange Cake, Homemade Orange Cake
