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How to Make Orange Yogurt Cake
This cake comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and orange juice. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The yogurt provides the base of this cake and contributes to its moisture and light texture.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Zest
Stir in the zest of one large orange. This will give the cake its wonderful citrus fragrance and tangy flavor. Be sure to evenly distribute the zest throughout the batter for that burst of citrusy goodness in every bite.
Step 5: Pour the Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden brown and will spring back when lightly pressed.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a simple finish, or drizzle it with a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for an extra touch of sweetness.
Optional Orange Glaze (for extra sweetness)
If you want to take the cake to the next level, try adding a glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake to add a glossy finish and an extra hit of orange flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Orange Yogurt Cake
- Use Fresh Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest will give the cake its best flavor. Avoid using bottled juice for the freshest taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense texture. Overmixing can cause the cake to be tough.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The flavor gets even better the next day as the orange notes continue to infuse the cake.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a twist, consider adding a handful of chopped dark chocolate or crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Yogurt Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Perfect as a mid-morning snack or afternoon tea companion.
- For Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious dessert.
- At a Party: This cake is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or holiday gatherings where a crowd-pleasing dessert is needed.
- As a Breakfast Cake: It’s light enough to serve as a sweet breakfast treat or brunch option.
Conclusion
This Orange Yogurt Cake is an easy, flavorful dessert that brings together the tang of fresh citrus with the creaminess of yogurt for a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight treat or as the centerpiece of your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy this delightful cake in no time at all. Enjoy!
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