Glazed Orange Cake
A moist, flavorful orange cake infused with candied orange slices, dates, walnuts, and coconut, topped with a sweet orange glaze—perfect for special occasions or teatime treats.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 pound orange slice candy, cut into bits ⓘ
- 8 ounces pitted dates, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 3 1/2 ounces flaked coconut
- 1 cup margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Sift together flour and salt.
- In a medium bowl, combine orange slice candy, chopped dates, chopped walnuts, and flaked coconut.
- Toss the mixture with 1/2 cup of the flour to coat evenly; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the margarine.
- Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine baking soda with buttermilk.
- Add the buttermilk mixture alternately with the remaining flour to the egg mixture.
- Fold in the floured candy mixture.
- Spoon the batter into a greased 10-inch tube pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare the orange glaze by mixing sifted powdered sugar with orange juice.
- Pour the glaze over the warm cake before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra moist cake, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce. If you can't find orange slice candy, try using dried apricots or cranberries for a different flavor profile. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture. To enhance the orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This Glazed Orange Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It also complements dishes like Homemade Baked Macaroni And Cheese for a delightful meal combination.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the cake. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Orange Cake contains roughly 755 calories, with 9g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1287mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them roughly and incorporate them into the batter. Each nut variety will add its unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.
Is it possible to make this cake without eggs?
Absolutely! For an egg-free version, you can use a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture as a binder. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg you replace, letting it sit until it thickens before adding it to the batter.
What can I do if my cake doesn't rise as expected?
If your cake doesn't rise, it may be due to expired baking soda or improper mixing. Always check the freshness of your baking soda before using it. Additionally, ensure you mix the batter just until combined to avoid overworking the flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).