ORANGE CAKE, ANCONA-STYLE

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Orange Cake, Ancona-Style image

Orange cake is a terrific dessert to serve after the rich, meaty stews of winter: boeuf bourguignon, short ribs, lamb tagine. The method that Marcella Hazan uses here - poking holes into the cake and letting orange syrup seep in - has a similar effect to brining: what would otherwise be a dry cake becomes flavorful, fragrant, and juicy. And it's even better than brining, because it always works, takes no time, and also makes the cake last longer.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert

Time 2h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus flour for dusting the pan
3 eggs
Grated peel of 3 oranges
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, softened to room temperature, plus butter for greasing the pan
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons ouzo liqueur
1 tablespoon whole milk
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, with 3 tablespoons sugar dissolved in it.

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 350.
  • Put the flour, eggs, orange peel, 4 tablespoons softened butter, sugar and ouzo in a food processor, and run until all the ingredients are evenly amalgamated.
  • Add the milk and baking powder, and process again to incorporate into the mixture.
  • Thickly smear a tube pan with butter, and dust with flour. Put the cake mixture in the pan (it won't fill it up all the way), and place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top of the cake becomes a rich gold color.
  • When the cake is done, place the bottom of the pan over a tumbler or tall mug, using pot holders, and push down to raise the loose bottom. Take the tube with the cake out of the hoop, work the cake loose from the bottom with a knife and lift it away from the tube. Place it on a plate with a slightly raised rim.
  • While the cake is still warm, poke many holes in it using a chopstick or any similar narrow tool. Into each of the holes, slowly pour some of the orange juice. At first the hole fills to the brim with juice, but this will subsequently - in about an hour - be absorbed by the cake. Serve at room temperature, with more orange juice drizzled over each slice.

Mukhtar Ali
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This is the best orange cake I've ever had. Thanks for sharing the recipe!


Mothy Joseph
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I'm so glad I found this recipe. This cake is amazing!


Josiah Jeffries
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I made this cake for a bake sale and it sold out in minutes. Everyone loved it!


Adnan Jan
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This cake is so flavorful. The orange zest and juice really come through.


fighter1394
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I love how moist this cake is. It's perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.


xv_ hano
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This cake is perfect for a summer party. It's light and refreshing, and the orange flavor is so delicious.


Dhan thapa Magar
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I made this cake for my husband's birthday and he loved it! He said it was the best orange cake he's ever had.


Pu Bg
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I'm not a baker, but this cake was so easy to make. I'm definitely going to make it again.


lawal tinuke
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This cake is a great way to use up leftover oranges. I had a few oranges that were about to go bad, so I decided to make this cake. It turned out great!


Ezugwu Chibuzo (Pie rex)
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I love the combination of orange and almonds in this cake. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion.


Arun Tamang
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This orange cake is easy to make and so delicious. I've made it several times now, and it's always a hit.


TROUBLE MAKERS FILMS ZIM SHORT DRAMA.
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I made this cake for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it! The cake was moist and flavorful, and the glaze was just the right amount of sweetness.


tud ball
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This was a great recipe! I followed it exactly and the cake turned out perfect. It was a hit with my family and friends.


Nelly Vugutsa
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I'm not usually a fan of orange desserts, but this cake changed my mind. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the cake is so moist and fluffy. I especially loved the candied orange peel - it added a nice crunchy texture.


dtb delayed
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This orange cake is a delightful burst of citrus flavor! The cake itself is moist and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The orange glaze on top adds a nice tangy touch, and the candied orange peel adds a bit of texture. I'll definitely