If you have a thing for vibrant, citrusy desserts that feel like a sunny afternoon in Sicily, then this Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a gorgeous, moist cake bursting with the authentic flavor of fresh oranges, balanced perfectly with a hint of olive oil that lends it a unique silkiness. Every bite offers that wonderful harmony of zest, sweetness, and just a whisper of tang, making it a standout treat whether you’re serving it for a casual family gathering or a lively dinner party. Trust me, once you try this Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe, it will immediately earn a prime spot in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the cake’s incredible texture and bright, cheerful flavor.
- 2 large oranges (zested and juiced): Provides fresh citrus punch that defines the cake’s essence.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure without overpowering its delicate flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the oranges.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: A traditional twist that keeps the cake moist and adds subtle richness.
- 3 large eggs: Help bind ingredients together and create a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a little lift to make the cake light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acids for perfect rise and texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth and depth.
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk): Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (optional, such as Grand Marnier): Brings an adult, aromatic twist without overpowering the cake.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze that adds a sweet, glossy finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Mixed with powdered sugar to create a bright, tangy glaze.
- Zest of 1 orange (for garnish): Finishing touch that adds visual appeal and extra citrus aroma.
How to Make Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature for baking when your batter is ready. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and guarantee a smooth release once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Combining these dry ingredients early helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, which is crucial for a uniform rise and texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk 3 large eggs with 1/2 cup olive oil, the juice and zest of 2 large oranges, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup whole milk. If you’re using, stir in 1/4 cup orange liqueur here to boost the flavor with a subtle, elegant note.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just smooth. The key here is not to overmix; a light hand ensures the cake remains tender and doesn’t develop a dense or tough texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cake finish setting and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze and Garnish
Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice to create a shiny, sweet glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cake and garnish with the zest of one orange. It’s the perfect finishing touch that adds brightness both visually and in flavor.
How to Serve Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh orange zest on top adds a vibrant splash of color and fresh aroma that instantly makes the cake more inviting. For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few edible flowers or finely chopped pistachios for texture and color contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the citrus notes. A light mint tea or a fresh espresso also make wonderful beverage companions, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe of the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a thin slice of orange tucked on the side or layered with fresh berries for extra color. You can also cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve as finger food for a more casual gathering — it’s a conversation starter every time thanks to its unique balance of flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve moisture and flavor. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the refrigerator is a good idea but note it can dry out slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before glazing to enjoy this treat anytime. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze freshly.
Reheating
If you prefer your slices slightly warm, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the cake’s soft, tender crumb and enhances the citrus aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular vegetable oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, vegetable oil can substitute olive oil if you want a more neutral flavor. However, olive oil gives the cake its signature silky texture and distinct richness that’s traditional in Sicilian baking.
Is the orange liqueur necessary?
The orange liqueur is optional but highly recommended. It deepens the citrus flavor and adds a subtle warmth, transforming this into a truly authentic Sicilian dessert.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary with texture. Be sure to include xanthan gum or a similar binder if it’s not in your flour mix to maintain structure.
How can I make this cake vegan?
To make the Sicilian Orange Cake vegan, you can replace the eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes, use almond milk or another plant-based milk, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. Keep in mind texture and flavor might shift slightly.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane grater or a fine zester to get just the colorful outer peel, avoiding the white pith which can be bitter. Fresh zest is key for that punchy, aromatic orange flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe! It’s one of those rare cakes that’s both incredibly simple to make and decadently delicious. With its moist crumb, fresh citrus zing, and a luxurious olive oil hint, it’s the perfect slice of sunshine for any season. Give it a go—you might just find this becoming your new favorite cake to bake and share.
Print
Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sicilian Orange Cake is a moist, fragrant dessert bursting with fresh orange flavor. Featuring a tender crumb enriched with olive oil and fresh oranges, it’s topped with a zesty orange glaze for the perfect balance of sweetness and citrus brightness. Ideal for any occasion, this cake combines simple ingredients with classic Sicilian flavors for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, fresh orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and milk. If using, add the orange liqueur to infuse additional citrus flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just smooth. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cake crumb.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth to create a glossy, citrusy glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the top and sprinkle the orange zest as a garnish for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
- Orange liqueur is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor; substitute with additional orange juice if preferred.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter as it may result in a denser cake.
- Use organic oranges to avoid pesticide residues on the zest.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a more intense orange flavor, allow the cake to rest overnight before glazing.
