Moroccan Orange Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons orange zest 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 32g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest. Whisk until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once the cake has cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together ½ cup of orange juice and 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth.
9. 9.
   Drizzle the glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve the Moroccan Orange Cake, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Orange zest — Make sure to use organic oranges and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any pesticide residue.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice — Use ripe and juicy oranges for the best flavor. Strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a tablespoon of orange liqueur to the batter.
• Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan Orange Cake as a sweet treat after a Moroccan-inspired meal. It pairs well with a cup of mint tea or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the cake with thin slices of fresh orange and a sprinkle of orange zest. Place it on a decorative cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece.