I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Orange Cake. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had just picked up his cookbook as a gift for myself. The bright, citrusy scent of the cake as it baked in the oven filled the house, lifting my mood almost immediately. As I sliced into the cake, the texture was perfectly light, and the sweetness balanced just right with the tang of the orange. I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Now, this cake has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Jamie Oliver’s Orange Cake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Orange Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s simple yet elegant and packed with the kind of flavors that make you want to savor every bite. The cake uses whole oranges, which not only infuse the batter with incredible citrus flavor but also give it a natural sweetness and moisture. I love how easy it is to make, yet the result feels like you’ve put in more effort than you actually have.
Ingredients Needed
Before jumping into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious cake:
- 2 whole oranges (unwaxed if possible)
- 1 cup of caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups of ground almonds (or almond flour)
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup of olive oil (or a mild vegetable oil)
- Optional for topping: Powdered sugar or an orange glaze
These ingredients come together to create a cake that’s light, moist, and fragrant. The ground almonds give it a soft texture while the oranges infuse it with citrusy goodness.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Orange Cake
Making this cake is as straightforward as it gets. The first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how easy it was.
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Boil The Oranges
Place the whole oranges in a pot of water. Bring it to a boil and then simmer for about an hour, until the oranges are soft. This step might seem unusual, but it’s what gives the cake its rich, deep orange flavor.
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Puree The Oranges
Once the oranges are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and remove any seeds. Put them in a blender or food processor and puree them until smooth. The skin of the orange is included, adding extra flavor and fiber.
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Prepare The Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. Add the pureed oranges, olive oil, and ground almonds. Stir everything together until combined. Sift in the baking powder and salt, then give it a final mix.
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Bake The Cake
Pour the batter into a greased or lined cake pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should rise slightly and have a golden top.
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Cool And Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it as is or dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle some orange glaze on top.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
What makes this cake so special is how the ingredients interact to create something extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at the science behind a few key elements:
- Whole Oranges: The inclusion of the entire orange, including the peel, means you get both the sweet and bitter flavors. The peel contains essential oils that give the cake a fragrant aroma while providing a slight zestiness.
- Ground Almonds: These are key for the cake’s moistness. Almond flour holds onto moisture better than wheat flour, giving the cake a dense yet tender crumb.
- Olive Oil: The mild olive oil adds richness without being overwhelming. It also keeps the cake moist longer.
Each ingredient has a specific role, and together, they create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over time to elevate this recipe:
- Use Organic Oranges: Since you’re using the peel, it’s important to pick organic oranges that aren’t treated with wax or chemicals.
- Let the Cake Cool Before Serving: The flavors tend to develop more as the cake cools, so be patient. It’ll taste even better the next day.
- Add a Glaze for Extra Flair: If you want to make the cake a bit more indulgent, drizzle it with a simple orange glaze made of powdered sugar and fresh orange juice.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Because the recipe uses almond flour, overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Just stir until everything is combined.
Recipe Variations
This cake is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Add a Pinch of Cinnamon: A little ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the cake. It pairs wonderfully with the orange.
- Swap Olive Oil for Butter: If you prefer a buttery flavor, substitute the olive oil for softened butter. It will create a slightly richer cake.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free because of the almond flour. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
- Citrus Twist: Try substituting the oranges with lemons, or even a combination of oranges and grapefruits, for a more complex citrus profile.
Final Words
This cake is a beautiful reminder of how simple ingredients can create something truly magical. It’s the kind of recipe that, once you make it, will become a favorite in your rotation. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you want something delicious to enjoy with a cup of tea, Jamie Oliver’s Orange Cake never disappoints.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Type Of Orange For The Cake?
Yes, you can use any variety of orange. Navel or blood oranges work well, though a sweeter variety might make the cake even better!
How Do I Ensure The Cake Stays Moist?
To keep it moist, don’t overbake it. You can also add a little syrup or glaze after it cools to lock in extra moisture.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for cakes.