Neb'S Orange Cake
A moist and flavorful orange cake featuring chopped dates and nuts, perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions, offering a delightful citrus and nutty taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a medium-sized tube or loaf pan and line the bottom with wax paper.
- Grease again and lightly dust with flour, then shake out excess flour.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, shortening, eggs, and grated orange rind; mix well.
- Add buttermilk, sifted flour, baking soda, and salt to the mixture, and blend thoroughly.
- Fold in chopped nuts and lightly floured chopped dates.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the dates are well-dusted with flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. To add extra moisture, you can incorporate a tablespoon of orange juice into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Neb's Orange Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It also makes a delightful afternoon snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, top it with a light orange glaze or serve it with fresh fruit to enhance the citrus flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neb'S Orange Cake contains roughly 418 calories, with 9g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chopped nuts with walnuts, almonds, or even pecans depending on your preference. Each nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the cake, so feel free to experiment!
Is it possible to make this cake without eggs?
Absolutely! You can use egg substitutes like unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers. Just replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana for a similar texture and moisture.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make Neb's Orange Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the structure. The other ingredients remain the same for a delicious gluten-free version.
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).