Awaken your senses with the delightful burst of citrus from our Juicy Orange Breakfast Cake, a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will brighten your morning routine. This cake is soft, moist, and infused with fresh orange juice, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast or brunch. Not only does it satisfy your sweet cravings, but it also adds a touch of sunshine to your day with its vibrant flavors. The fresh orange glaze drizzled on top adds an extra layer of zesty brilliance, making every bite a refreshing experience.
What sets this Juicy Orange Breakfast Cake apart is its convenience. This recipe is ideal for those busy mornings when you need a quick yet satisfying option. It requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a go-to choice for spontaneous baking. Whether you serve it to guests during a weekend brunch or as a part of a cozy family breakfast, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, with the use of yogurt or sour cream keeping it moist, this cake brings a balance of indulgence and healthiness that everyone will appreciate.
Why You’ll Love This Juicy Orange Breakfast Cake
- Delicious Flavor: The mix of fresh orange juice and zest creates a refreshing and zesty experience that awakens your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: This recipe can be made quickly, making it perfect for any busy morning or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Options: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a sweet brunch treat, or even as a light dessert with a scoop of yogurt.
- Moist and Tender: The inclusion of yogurt or sour cream guarantees a cake that is both soft and moist.
- Beautiful Presentation: The glistening orange glaze and optional garnish make it look as good as it tastes.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure your Juicy Orange Breakfast Cake turns out perfectly, start by gathering all your ingredients and necessary equipment. You will need an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan, which you should grease and line with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier after baking. A hand mixer or stand mixer will be essential for creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly, which is crucial for the cake’s light texture.
Using measuring cups and spoons will help you accurately portion your ingredients, ensuring consistent results. Additionally, having a whisk on hand will facilitate the mixing of your dry ingredients. Make sure to let your eggs reach room temperature before using, as this helps them incorporate more easily into the batter. Once everything is gathered, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to have it ready when it’s time to bake.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the cake evenly. As it warms up, prepare your baking pan. Grease the bottom and sides of an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This step prevents the cake from sticking and makes for easier cleanup later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with granulated sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed to cream these together for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is crucial, as it incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake its delightful light texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Next, introduce the eggs to the creamed mixture, adding them one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Following the eggs, add fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined. The citrus aroma will fill your kitchen at this point, setting the stage for the delicious cake to come.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed but also helps prevent lumps from forming in your batter. Once combined, set this bowl aside until the wet ingredients are ready.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream—or Greek yogurt—into the wet mixture. Start with a portion of the flour mixture, followed by sour cream, continue alternating until everything is mixed in. Be cautious not to over-mix, as this can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until no flour streaks remain.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cooling Phase
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. After this cooling period, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This step is essential, as glazing a warm cake can result in the glaze soaking in too much.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until you achieve a smooth consistency. Drizzle this blend over the cooled cake, letting it pool a bit on top and trickle down the sides. For an added touch, sprinkle optional orange zest as a garnish.
Variations
- Protein: Add in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for some added crunch and protein.
- Vegetables: Grate in a medium carrot for a more nutritious addition that complements the orange flavor.
- Spices: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spicy warmth that balances well with the citrus notes.
Cooking Notes
- For best results, always use room-temperature ingredients, especially eggs and dairy; this helps them blend more easily into the batter.
- Ensure you don’t over-mix when combining wet and dry ingredients; this will keep your cake light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices of this cake warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of yogurt for added creaminess.
- Complement it with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or blueberries, to enhance the bright citrus flavor of the cake.
Tips
- Make sure to zest your oranges before juicing them, as this is much easier and gives you more control over the zest pieces.
- If you want to store your cake, keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220 per slice
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of citrus juice?
Yes, you can substitute lemon or lime juice in place of orange juice for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid opening the oven door too early, as this can cause the cake to sink.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake before glazing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving if desired.
Conclusion
The Juicy Orange Breakfast Cake is a delightful way to start your day or add a sweet touch to your brunch table. With its zesty flavor and soft texture, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy the ease of preparing this simple recipe and revel in the compliments you’ll receive when serving it to friends and family. Don’t forget to explore different variations to make it your own, and remember, sharing is caring! We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences with this recipe, so be sure to leave a comment below and share your own twist on this delightful breakfast cake.
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Juicy Orange Breakfast Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Awaken your senses with the delightful burst of citrus from our Juicy Orange Breakfast Cake, a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will brighten your morning routine.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer for about 2 to 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then add orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Alternate mixing the dry ingredients and sour cream into the wet mixture until combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar with orange juice to make the glaze, and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
For best results, always use room-temperature ingredients and avoid over-mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 per slice
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 3 g