Orange Raisin Cake
A moist, flavorful orange raisin cake bursting with fruity sweetness and subtle citrus notes, perfect for teatime or any special occasion dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan.
- Mix together the raisins, orange rind, and pulp, then set aside.
- Cream the margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the beaten eggs gradually, mixing well.
- Dissolve the soda in the buttermilk and add to the mixture.
- Stir in the flour, salt, vanilla, and the raisin-orange mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Mix the additional sugar with the orange rind and pulp to make a glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the hot cake and let it soak in before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider soaking the raisins in warm water or orange juice before mixing them in. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Using a hand mixer can help achieve a lighter batter. Ensure your margarine is softened for easier creaming with sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Raisin Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a twist, serve it with a side of Pimento Cheese Baked Grits to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Raisin Cake contains roughly 459 calories, with 10g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% 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 fresh oranges instead of just the rind and pulp?
Yes, you can use fresh oranges! Just ensure you zest and juice them fully to incorporate the flavor. This will enhance the cake's citrus profile. Adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet cake, as fresh oranges may add natural sweetness.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer a different option, you can substitute margarine with unsalted butter or a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil. Each will lend a slightly different flavor, but the cake should still turn out well. Just remember to keep the same measurement for best results.
How can I make this recipe more festive?
To make the Orange Raisin Cake more festive, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You could also top it with candied orange slices or serve it with a cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. It's perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
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).