Orange Tea Cake
A light and fluffy orange tea cake with bright citrus flavor, perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy delicate, airy desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Let egg whites warm to room temperature, about 1 hour.
- Fill cup of sifted flour lightly with salt.
- Beat egg yolks in a small bowl for 3 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 cup of sugar to the yolks.
- Continue beating until mixture is smooth.
- In a separate large bowl, beat egg whites at medium speed until foamy.
- Gradually beat in 1/2 cup sugar, beating after each addition.
- Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Alternately fold in flour mixture (in fourths) and orange juice (in thirds) into the egg yolk mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
- Add orange peel to the batter.
- Gently fold in the yolk mixture using under and over motions into the egg whites.
- Pour the batter into a 10-inch ungreased tube pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cake springs back when gently pressed.
- Invert the pan and cool completely about 1 hour.
- Loosen the cake from the pan using up and down motions.
- Run a spatula around the edge of the cake and the tube.
- Slice with a serrated knife going back and forth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure egg whites are at room temperature before beating, as this helps achieve maximum volume. If you want to add more flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of grated orange zest into the batter. For a fun twist, you can substitute half of the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile. This Orange Tea Cake is also great served with a side of yogurt for a refreshing touch.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Tea Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For an elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. It also complements a fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To enjoy it warm, you can slice and microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds, or serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Tea Cake contains roughly 337 calories, with 20g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg 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 whole eggs instead of separating the yolks and whites?
Using whole eggs would alter the texture of the cake, making it denser. The separation of the yolks and whites allows for a lighter, airier cake. If you're short on time, you could experiment with egg substitutes, but the results may vary.
What can I do if my cake doesn't rise properly?
If your cake doesn't rise, it may be due to under-whipping the egg whites or not folding them gently enough into the batter. Ensure you beat the whites until stiff peaks form and fold them in carefully to maintain the airiness. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and your oven temperature is accurate.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Orange Tea Cake gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the cake's structure. Additionally, check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).