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 (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup freshly grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Orange-Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Offset spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Sift together the flour, polenta, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
5. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Orange-Cream Cheese Icing:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
2. Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a medium bowl. With the mixer on low speed, add the sugar in three additions, alternating with the orange juice, beginning and ending with the sugar. Beat in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
3. Spread the icing over the cooled cake.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information: TBD
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute gluten-free flour.
- For the polenta, you can substitute cornmeal.
- For the butter, you can substitute vegan butter.
- For the eggs, you can substitute flax eggs.
- For the cream cheese, you can substitute vegan cream cheese.
Variations:
- You can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- You can add 1/2 cup of dried fruit to the batter for a fruity flavor.
- You can add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for a spiced flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy for a smooth texture.
- Make sure to beat the eggs in one at a time for a light and airy cake.
Storage Instructions: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Garnish the cake with fresh orange slices and mint leaves.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnishes:
- Fresh orange slices
- Mint leaves
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of orange juice to the batter.
- If the cake is too dense, add an extra egg to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using.
- Make sure to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cake before serving.
Food History:
Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from coarsely ground cornmeal. It has been eaten in Italy for centuries and is still enjoyed today.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet, citrusy flavor from the orange juice and zest. The polenta adds a nutty, earthy flavor to the cake. The cream cheese icing adds a creamy, tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served at room temperature. It can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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