SUMMER ORANGE DREAM CAKE
The Summer Orange Dream Cake is a delightful treat that brings the bright, zesty flavors of oranges into your kitchen. This cake is perfect for warm days when you crave something light and refreshing. With its fluffy layers, creamy filling, and vibrant orange taste, it’s sure to be a favorite at any gathering!
Why Make This Recipe
There are so many reasons to make this cake! First, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. The combination of fresh oranges in the cake and filling offers a fresh burst of taste that lifts your spirits. It’s also an impressive dessert for parties, birthdays, or just a sunny afternoon at home. Plus, baking this cake can be a fun activity for families and friends, bringing everyone together in the kitchen.
How to Make Summer Orange Dream Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 1⁄4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange extract (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) fresh orange juice (for filling)
- 2 tsp orange zest (for filling)
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar (for filling)
- 3 egg yolks (for filling)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for filling)
- 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, cubed (for filling)
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream (for whipped cream)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1/2 tsp orange extract or zest (for whipped cream)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and orange zest for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and orange extracts.
- In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Alternate adding the dry mix and the buttermilk and orange juice to the butter mixture.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely, then level the tops.
- For the orange curd filling, whisk the fresh orange juice, orange zest, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens, about 5–8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cubed butter until smooth. Chill the filling until it thickens further.
- For the orange whipped cream, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and orange extract or zest together until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready for use.
- To assemble the cake, layer the cake with orange whipped cream and orange curd, repeating until all layers are used.
- Top the cake with piped cream swirls and garnish with fresh orange slices or candied orange peel.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
How to Serve Summer Orange Dream Cake
Serve this beautiful cake chilled, alongside a refreshing drink. It’s perfect for dessert or even a sweet brunch option. Each slice reveals stunning layers and a burst of orange flavor that everyone will love.
How to Store Summer Orange Dream Cake
Keep the cake in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the layers separately and assemble them later.
Tips to Make Summer Orange Dream Cake
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create a fluffy texture.
- Use fresh oranges for the best flavor. The zest really adds brightness to the cake.
- Don’t skip chilling the cake before slicing. It helps the layers hold together nicely.
Variation
If you want to try something different, you can substitute lemon juice and lemon zest for a lemon version of this cake. It will give it a tangy twist!
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought orange curd instead of making my own?
A: Yes, using store-bought orange curd can save time and still taste great.
Q: How can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day ahead and assemble the cake just before serving. It actually tastes better as the flavors meld together.
Enjoy baking and savoring the Summer Orange Dream Cake!
