SUMMER ORANGE DREAM CAKE
Introduction
Summer is the perfect time for light, refreshing desserts, and the Summer Orange Dream Cake fits the bill beautifully. This vibrant and tangy cake bursts with fresh orange flavor, making it a delightful treat for hot days. It’s a great dessert for picnics, barbecues, or even a light finish to a dinner party.
Why Make This Recipe
This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the fresh flavors of summer. The use of orange adds a zesty twist that lifts the spirits and creates a sunny vibe. The layers of soft cake, luscious orange curd, and fluffy whipped cream come together to offer a bright and delicious experience. Plus, it’s a fun project for baking enthusiasts and a hit for family gatherings!
How to Make Summer Orange Dream Cake
Ingredients
- 2 1⁄4 c (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 3⁄4 c (170 g) unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 1⁄4 c (250 g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange extract (optional)
- 1 c buttermilk
- 1⁄4 c fresh orange juice
- 3⁄4 c (180 ml) fresh orange juice
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1⁄2 c (100 g) sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1⁄4 c (55 g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 1⁄2 c cold heavy cream
- 1⁄2 c powdered sugar
- 1⁄2 tsp orange extract or zest
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and orange zest for about 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla and orange extracts.
- In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and orange juice. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely, then level the tops with a knife if needed.
- To make the orange curd, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5–8 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the cubed butter until smooth. Chill until it’s thick.
- For the whipped cream, whip the cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar and optional orange extract or zest until stiff peaks form. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
- To assemble your cake, layer one cake layer, followed by a layer of orange cream, then a layer of orange curd. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, finishing with the whipped cream on top. You can pipe swirls of cream for decoration and garnish with fresh orange slices or candied peel. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing to get clean cuts.
How to Serve Summer Orange Dream Cake
Serve the Summer Orange Dream Cake chilled for the best taste. Slice it into wedges and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. The refreshing orange flavor makes it a great palate cleanser after a hearty meal.
How to Store Summer Orange Dream Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Summer Orange Dream Cake
- Always use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
- For an extra zesty touch, increase the amount of orange zest in the cake batter.
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Be gentle when folding in the whipped cream to keep it light and airy.
Variation
You can experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or lime instead of orange for a different twist. You could also add a splash of liqueur, like orange liqueur, to the cake mix or the cream for added depth.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought orange curd?
Yes, using store-bought orange curd can save time, but homemade curd is usually tastier!
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day before and store them in the fridge or freeze them to make assembly easier.
3. What can I do with leftover egg whites?
Leftover egg whites can be used to make meringues, or you could add them to an omelet or scrambled eggs for extra protein.
Now you are ready to bake the delightful Summer Orange Dream Cake! Enjoy every zesty bite!
