Title: Soft Orange Vanilla Cake Recipe (Gâteau moelleux à l'orange et à la vanille)
Introduction:
The Soft Orange Vanilla Cake, known as "Gâteau moelleux à l'orange et à la vanille" in French cuisine, is one of the most delightful, flavorful, and comforting baked treats you can have. A perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you are hosting a cozy get-together with close friends, celebrating birthdays, holidays, or simply enjoying a relaxing moment over coffee or tea. With its light, fluffy texture and the fresh citrusy fragrance of oranges complemented by the delicate aroma of natural vanilla, this cake is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Prepare yourself to master the art of making this irresistibly delicious, aromatic, and fluffy dessert!
This detailed yet easy-to-follow recipe will guide you step-by-step on how to prepare, bake, and beautifully serve the ultimate Soft Orange Vanilla Cake.
Ingredients with Quantities:
The first step in your culinary journey always starts with quality ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this exquisite cake:
Cake Batter:
- Flour (all-purpose or cake flour) – 2 cups (250g)
- Baking powder – 2 tsp
- Baking soda – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/4 tsp
- Butter, softened – 1 cup (approx 227g)
- Sugar (white granulated sugar) – 1 cup (200g)
- Eggs (large), room temperature – 4
- Oranges – 2 whole fresh oranges (for zest and juice)
- Pure vanilla extract – 1 tablespoon
- Milk (whole or semi-skimmed) – 1/2 cup (125 ml)
Orange Vanilla Glaze/Icing (Optional):
- Icing sugar (powdered sugar) – 1 cup (120g)
- Freshly squeezed orange juice – 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml)
- Pure vanilla extract – 1/2 teaspoon
- Orange zest for decoration (optional)
Preparation Method:
Step-by-step Guide to Making Soft Orange Vanilla Cake:
Step 1 – Preparing Your Ingredients:
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan (8-9 inches; round or square, your choice). You may also line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2 – Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your cake will be fluffy without lumps or inconsistencies.
Step 3 – Creaming Butter and Sugar:
Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, cream the softened butter and sugar in a separate large bowl until pale, creamy, and fluffy in texture. This step is crucial because it creates a light, airy cake batter that contributes to the incredibly soft result.
Step 4 – Adding Eggs:
Slowly add eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each egg. This method ensures an emulsified and uniform butter-sugar mixture necessary for the cake’s soft texture.
Step 5 – Orange Essence:
Grate fresh zest from the two oranges; be mindful to grate lightly, avoiding the bitter white part. Set aside. After that, squeeze the fresh oranges to achieve about 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh juice. Combine orange juice, zest, and pure vanilla extract into the butter-egg mixture. Mix gently to combine evenly and smoothly.
Step 6 – Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Add the flour mixture to the wet batter gradually, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, ensuring each addition is carefully incorporated before adding more. Mix gently just until combined—avoid overmixing to retain the cake’s delicate crumb.
Step 7 – Baking the Cake:
Transfer batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for approximately 30-40 minutes. Cake baking time depends on your oven and baking dish size, so check for doneness around 30 minutes. The cake is ready when a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake starts to release its fragrance gently.
Step 8 – Cooling:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, run a sharp knife gently around the edge and transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9 – Preparing the Optional Orange Vanilla Glaze:
While the cake cools, prepare your glaze if desired. Mix powdered icing sugar, fresh orange juice (add an extra teaspoon juice if the glaze is thick), and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly runny. Once the cake has cooled down entirely, drizzle the glaze decoratively on top and sprinkle freshly grated orange zest for an extra delightful garnish.
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best enjoyed freshly baked and slightly warm or at room temperature. You may serve it alongside fresh fruits, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee as an afternoon treat.
FAQs – Common Queries and Tips for Perfect Results:
-
Can I substitute other citruses?
Yes, you can substitute with lemons or clementines. Adjust sugar quantity if using sour lemons to maintain sweetness balance. -
Can this cake be baked as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Adjust your baking time to approximately 20-25 minutes at the same oven temperature. Check cupcakes earlier for doneness. -
How can I store the cake?
Store cake at room temperature in an airtight container for two days or refrigerate up to five days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture. -
Can I refrigerate or freeze the batter?
It’s not recommended as baking soda and baking powder activate once mixed. Best to bake immediately. However, after baking, the cake freezes perfectly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. -
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular flour with standard gluten-free flour blend, following package instructions typically using a 1:1 ratio. -
My cake is dense, what went wrong?
Overmixing often leads to dense structure. Remember gently mix ingredients and stop when just incorporated. Also, always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for even aeration.
Conclusion:
Soft Orange Vanilla Cake (Gâteau moelleux à l’orange et à la vanille) is a truly timeless classic—incredibly simple yet aromatic, flavorful, and satisfying. Following this detailed guide and tips, you can easily achieve a perfectly moist, tender, delicious cake. Guaranteed to become a favorite among your family members and guests alike, your baking skills will shine as each bite brings forth an extraordinary balance of subtle sweetness, luxurious vanilla aromas, and refreshing orange fragrances.
If you haven’t tried homemade cakes before or want an elegant dessert to serve guests, give this recipe a chance. The pleasure of sharing a homemade cake has the unique ability to bring smiles, warmth, and memorable moments around your table.
Baking not only feeds the appetite but also nourishes the soul. With a slice of freshly baked Soft Orange Vanilla Cake, enjoy and share heart-warming moments of pure pleasure!
Happy Baking!