Mary's Recipe For Orange Cake Recipe

Mary's Recipe for Orange Cake

[Recipe History]
Orange cake is a delightful treat that has been enjoyed by many for generations. The refreshing citrus flavor of oranges adds a unique twist to traditional cake recipes. Mary's Recipe for Orange Cake is a classic version that has been cherished by her family for years.

[Fun Facts]
- Oranges are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and have been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
- Oranges were considered a luxury fruit in ancient Rome and were often given as gifts during special occasions.
- The use of orange zest in baking became popular during the Renaissance as a way to enhance the flavor of desserts.
- Orange cake gained popularity in the 19th century as oranges became more widely available and affordable.

[Ingredients]
- Grated outside rind of 1 orange
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter and lard, mixed
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 2-1/2 cups flour
- 2-1/4 teaspoonfuls of baking powder
- 3 egg whites (stiffly beaten)

[Instructions]
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two cake pans.
2. In a bowl, combine the grated orange rind, sugar, and the mixed butter and lard. Cream all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Add the egg yolks to the mixture and beat well.
4. Gradually add the sweet milk to the mixture, stirring continuously.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
6. Slowly incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
8. Gently fold the stiffly beaten egg whites into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
9. Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans.
10. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
12. After cooling, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

[Optional Frosting]
While Mary's Recipe for Orange Cake can be enjoyed on its own, you can also choose to frost it for added sweetness. Here's a simple cream cheese frosting recipe that pairs wonderfully with the orange-flavored cake:

Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Grated zest of 1 orange

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and grated orange zest until well combined.
4. Once the cakes have completely cooled, apply a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting between the layers and all around the cake.
5. Decorate as desired and serve.

[Similar Recipe Dishes]
If you enjoy Mary's Recipe for Orange Cake, you might also like these similar recipe dishes:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cake: A tangy and moist cake similar to orange cake but with the bright and zesty flavor of lemons.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: A classic cake where the sweetness of pineapple complements the moist cake base.
- Raspberry Almond Cake: A delightful combination of tart raspberries and nutty almonds that creates a burst of flavor in every bite.

Enjoy the delightful flavor and aroma of Mary's Recipe for Orange Cake. It's a perfect treat for any gathering or special occasion.