Desserts > Cake > Specialty Cakes > Italian Cake

Orange and Polenta Cake with Orange Syrup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup polenta
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup freshly grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

For the Orange Syrup:
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- parchment paper
- electric mixer
- whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, polenta, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
4. Add the orange juice, orange zest, and yogurt and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Orange Syrup:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice and sugar and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.

To assemble:
1. Drizzle the orange syrup over the cooled cake.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Polenta: cornmeal
- Vegetable oil: melted butter
- Greek yogurt: sour cream

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Use lemon juice and zest instead of orange for a different flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before drizzling with the orange syrup.

Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.

Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts
- Fresh berries
- Candied orange peel

Pairings:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Sparkling wine

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
- Grilled fruit

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of orange juice to the batter.
- If the cake is too wet, add a few tablespoons of flour to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using.
- Make sure the eggs are fresh and not expired.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before serving.

Food History:
Polenta is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the 16th century. It is made from ground cornmeal and is a staple in many Italian dishes.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and citrusy flavor from the orange juice and zest. The polenta adds a nutty and earthy flavor to the cake.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
- Serve as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Citrusy, Nutty