Whole Orange Blender Cake is a delectable dessert that boasts a unique and simplified preparation method. The star ingredient, as the name suggests, is the whole orange, which is blended into a vibrant puree, imparting both citrusy flavor and natural moisture to the cake.
To start, a whole orange, including the peel, is washed thoroughly and then quartered before being placed in a blender. This unconventional approach utilizes the entire orange, harnessing the zest and essential oils from the peel to infuse the cake with a bright, fragrant citrus profile. The blending process transforms the orange into a smooth, pulpy consistency, creating a base that will serve as the backbone of the cake’s flavor.
The dry ingredients, typically all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, are then combined in a separate bowl. Once thoroughly mixed, the dry ingredients are gradually incorporated into the orange puree, creating a batter that is both visually striking and fragrant.
Eggs and butter are often added to enhance the richness and structure of the cake. The blending process ensures a uniform distribution of ingredients, resulting in a smooth and well-integrated batter.
The batter is poured into a prepared baking pan and baked to perfection. As the cake bakes, the aroma of citrus fills the kitchen, creating anticipation for the moist and flavorful outcome.
Once cooled, the Whole Orange Blender Cake is often adorned with a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar. This final touch adds a subtle sweetness that complements the natural sugars of the orange, creating a harmonious balance.
This cake is celebrated for its simplicity, vibrant flavor profile, and the creative use of the entire orange. It’s a testament to how blending a few basic ingredients can yield a delightful and aromatic dessert, perfect for any occasion or as a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
– 1 large seedless navel orange, unpeeled and cut into eighths
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
2. Place the orange pieces into a blender and pulse until they are broken down into a pulpy, smooth consistency.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and sugar to the blended orange in the blender, and blend again until the mixture is well combined.
4. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Pour the orange mixture from the blender into the bowl with the dry ingredients, and stir together just until combined, making sure not to overmix.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Variations & Tips:
– For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
– If your family prefers less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup.
– For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
– If you find the orange flavor a bit strong, use half an orange instead or mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract to balance the flavors.
– Make sure to hydrate your kiddos; while they wait for this yummy treat, have them guess the main ingredient as they sip on some orange-infused water!
– To ensure even baking, rotate the cake halfway through the cooking time in the oven.
– It’s important to let the cake cool before slicing, as this helps it set and prevents it from crumbling
