Italian Desserts > Italian Cake > Specialty Italian Cakes > Italian Orange Cakes

Orange and Polenta Cake with Mascarpone Cream Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 oranges, zested and juiced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fine polenta
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Fine grater
- Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, polenta, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until combined.

4. Add the orange zest and juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract and mix until combined.

5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

8. To make the mascarpone cream, beat the mascarpone cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the orange juice and mix until combined.

9. Spread the mascarpone cream over the cooled cake and serve.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information: N/A

Substitutions for Ingredients
- You can use almond milk instead of buttermilk.
- You can use cream cheese instead of mascarpone cheese.
- You can use honey instead of granulated sugar.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cake batter.
- You can add a teaspoon of orange liqueur to the mascarpone cream.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to grease and flour the cake pan before pouring in the batter.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the mascarpone cream.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the cake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Garnishes:
- Candied orange slices
- Fresh berries
Pairings:
- Orange liqueur
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a splash of orange juice to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
Food History:
- Polenta is an Italian dish made from ground cornmeal that has been around since the Roman times.
Flavor Profiles:
- Sweet, citrusy, and nutty.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

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Region: Italian

Taste: Sweet, Citrusy, Creamy, Nutty