Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and dust with flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 410
Total fat: 21g
Saturated fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total carbohydrates: 51g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 32g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use orange extract instead of orange zest if you don't have fresh oranges.
- You can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra crunch.
- Replace the orange juice and zest with lemon juice and zest for a lemon butter cake.
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate orange butter cake.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before beating it with the sugar to ensure a fluffy texture.
- Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour mixture, or the cake will be tough.
- Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warm.
Presentation ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh orange slices.
Garnishes:
- Fresh orange slices
- Whipped cream
- Candied orange peel
Pairings:
- Serve the cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Vanilla ice cream
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is dry, it may have been overbaked. Reduce the baking time next time.
- If the cake is too dense, you may have overmixed the batter. Mix the batter until just combined next time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the cake.
- Use fresh ingredients and check the expiration dates of all ingredients.
Food history:
Butter cakes have been a staple in American baking for centuries. The addition of orange juice and zest adds a refreshing twist to this classic dessert.
Flavor profiles:
The orange juice and zest add a bright, citrusy flavor to the rich, buttery cake.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
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