This Sicilian Orange Cake is an absolute delight! With its fresh citrusy aroma and moist texture, it brings a touch of Italian elegance to any occasion. The combination of fresh orange juice and zest creates a delicate, zesty flavor that’s balanced perfectly with the richness of olive oil and the sweetness of sugar. Topped with a simple orange glaze and zest, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this Sicilian Orange Cake is both simple to make and incredibly flavorful. The cake is light, moist, and bursting with the refreshing taste of oranges. It’s the kind of dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual tea time or a more formal gathering. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural citrus flavor. Plus, it’s made with basic pantry ingredients, and the process is so easy, even for beginner bakers!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 large oranges (zested and juiced)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
1/4 cup orange liqueur (optional, such as Grand Marnier)
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and milk. If you’re using orange liqueur, add it now.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl.
Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with orange zest to garnish.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just make sure the baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Replace the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk, and you can also omit the butter in the glaze if needed.
Orange Liqueur-Free: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, just leave out the orange liqueur. The cake will still be full of bright orange flavor.
Storage/Reheating
To store the Sicilian Orange Cake, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week.
To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold—either way, it’s delicious!
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FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually keeps well for a couple of days, so feel free to bake it the day before your event. Just store it in an airtight container.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
While fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled juice if needed. Just make sure it’s 100% pure orange juice without added sugar or preservatives.
How can I make the glaze thicker?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add a bit more powdered sugar. If it gets too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice to reach the desired consistency.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before glazing and serving.
Can I use a different citrus fruit for this cake?
While this recipe is all about the oranges, you could try making a similar cake with lemons or blood oranges for a slightly different twist on the classic Sicilian flavor.
Conclusion
This Sicilian Orange Cake is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fragrant, making it an irresistible dessert. With its easy preparation and gorgeous presentation, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this cake is a winner every time.
📖 Recipe:
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Sicilian Orange Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sicilian Orange Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the zesty freshness of oranges with the richness of olive oil. Its light, moist texture and a simple orange glaze make it a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual tea parties to formal gatherings. Easy to make with basic ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 large oranges (zested and juiced)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
1/4 cup orange liqueur (optional, such as Grand Marnier)
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and milk. Add the orange liqueur, if using.
- Gradually combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and garnish with orange zest.
Notes
Storage: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before glazing.
Dairy-Free: Replace the milk with almond milk and omit butter in the glaze if needed.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the baking powder and soda are gluten-free.
Alcohol-Free: Omit the orange liqueur for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal
