Hello, Good News! Welcome to another article where we share with you some of the best recipes from around the world. Today, we are going to show you how to make a German orange cake, a moist and fluffy cake that melts in your mouth and has a refreshing citrus flavor. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a treat for yourself.
German orange cake is a simple and easy recipe that anyone can make at home. All you need are some basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, oil, baking powder, and of course, oranges. You can also make a simple icing with icing sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract to drizzle over the cake and make it even more delicious. The result is a light and airy cake that has a wonderful orange aroma and taste.
What is German Orange Cake?
German orange cake is a traditional cake that originated in Germany. It is also known as Orangenkuchen or Apfelsinenkuchen in German. The cake is made with fresh or canned mandarin oranges, which give it a sweet and tangy flavor. The cake is usually baked in a rectangular or square pan and cut into pieces. It can be served plain or with whipped cream or ice cream.
German orange cake is not to be confused with German chocolate cake, which is actually an American invention that has nothing to do with Germany. German chocolate cake is made with a special type of chocolate called Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate, which was named after an American baker named Samuel German who created it in 1852[^1^]. German chocolate cake is also topped with a coconut-pecan frosting, which is very different from the simple icing of the German orange cake.
The History of German Orange Cake
The exact origin of the German orange cake is not clear, but it is likely that it was influenced by the French cuisine. France and Germany have a long history of cultural exchange and culinary influence, especially in the regions that border each other. One of the most famous French cakes that uses oranges is the Gâteau à l’orange, which dates back to the 18th century[^2^]. This cake is made with whole oranges that are boiled and pureed, then mixed with eggs, butter, sugar, and flour. The cake has a dense and moist texture and a rich orange flavor.
The German orange cake may have been inspired by the French Gâteau à l’orange, but it has some differences. The German version uses orange juice and zest instead of whole oranges, which makes it lighter and fluffier. The German version also uses oil instead of butter, which gives it more moisture and makes it easier to mix. The German version also adds baking powder and baking soda to help the cake rise and create air bubbles.
The Benefits of Oranges
Oranges are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and prevent scurvy[^3^]. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron from plant sources[^4^]. Oranges also contain other vitamins and minerals such as folate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Folate is important for pregnant women as it helps prevent neural tube defects in babies[^5^]. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance[^6^]. Calcium and magnesium help maintain strong bones and teeth[^7^].
Oranges also have antioxidants that help protect the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation[^8^]. Antioxidants can help prevent or delay some chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease[^9^]. Oranges also have dietary fiber that helps improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels[^10^]. Fiber can also help you feel full longer and prevent overeating. Oranges are low in calories and fat, which makes them a great snack or dessert for weight management.
The Variations of German Orange Cake
German orange cake is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences and creativity. You can use different types of oranges such as navel, blood, or cara cara oranges to change the color and flavor of the cake. You can also use other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, or tangerines to create different combinations. You can also add some spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to give the cake some warmth and depth.
You can also change the icing of the cake to suit your taste buds. You can use cream cheese instead of icing sugar to make a tangy and creamy frosting. You can also add some nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to add some crunch and texture. You can also decorate the cake with some fresh or candied orange slices, zest, or peel to make it more festive and appealing.
How to Make a German Orange Cake
Making a German orange cake is very easy and fun. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to make this cake. Just follow these simple steps and you will have a delicious cake in no time.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups (250 g) of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) of caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) of vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) of orange juice
- 3 eggs
- The zest of 2 oranges
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the icing:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) of icing sugar
- 3 tablespoons of orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 degrees C (350 degrees F) and line a 10 x 13 inch (25 x 33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oil, orange juice, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until well combined and smooth. There should be no lumps in the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- To make the icing, whisk together the icing sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and runny. You can adjust the consistency by adding more icing sugar or orange juice as needed.
- Poke some holes on the top of the cake with a fork or a skewer and drizzle the icing over the cake. Let the icing set before cutting into pieces.
- Enjoy your German orange cake with some whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
If you are wondering how many calories are in a slice of German orange cake, here is a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving. This recipe makes about 15 servings, depending on how big you cut the pieces. Each serving has:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 295 kcal | 15% | Based on a 2000-calorie diet. |
| Fat | 13 g | 20% | Mostly from the oil and eggs. |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g | 15% | Mostly from the flourand sugar. |
| Fiber | 1 g | 4% | Mostly from the oranges and flour. |
| Protein | 4 g | 8% | Mostly from the eggs and flour. |
| Vitamin C | 19 mg | 32% | Mostly from the oranges and orange juice. |
| Calcium | 18 mg | 2% | Mostly from the flour and orange juice. |
| Iron | 1 mg | 6% | Mostly from the flour and eggs. |
*The daily values are based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s reference intakes for adults and children. Your daily values may vary depending on your age, gender, activity level, and health condition.
FAQs about German Orange Cake
Can I use canned oranges instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned oranges instead of fresh ones for this recipe. Just make sure to drain the syrup well and pat the oranges dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter. You can also use the syrup to make the icing instead of orange juice, but you may need to add more icing sugar to thicken it.
Can I freeze the cake for later?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for later. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. You can also reheat it in the microwave or oven if you prefer it warm.
Can I make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid and baking powder depending on the type of flour you use. You can also add some xanthan gum or psyllium husk to help the cake hold together better.
Can I make the cake vegan?
Yes, you can make the cake vegan by using some plant-based substitutes for the eggs, oil, and icing sugar. For the eggs, you can use flax eggs, chia eggs, or mashed bananas. For the oil, you can use coconut oil, olive oil, or applesauce. For the icing sugar, you can use powdered erythritol, stevia, or agave nectar.
Can I make the cake sugar-free?
Yes, you can make the cake sugar-free by using some natural or artificial sweeteners instead of caster sugar and icing sugar. For the caster sugar, you can use granulated erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit, or stevia. For the icing sugar, you can use powdered erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit, or stevia. You may need to adjust the amount of sweetener depending on your taste and preference.
Can I make the cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can make the cake dairy-free by using some non-dairy alternatives for the whipped cream or ice cream. You can use coconut whipped cream, soy whipped cream, almond whipped cream, or cashew whipped cream. You can also use coconut ice cream, soy ice cream, almond ice cream, or cashew ice cream.
Can I make the cake nut-free?
Yes, you can make the cake nut-free by omitting the nuts from the icing or the decoration. You can also use some other toppings such as chocolate chips, sprinkles, dried fruits, or coconut flakes.
Can I make the cake more moist?
Yes, you can make the cake more moist by adding some extra liquid to the batter. You can use more orange juice, milk, yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk. You can also add some oil or butter to the batter to increase the fat content. You can also poke more holes on the top of the cake and drizzle more icing over it to soak it with more moisture.
Can I make the cake more fluffy?
Yes, you can make the cake more fluffy by adding some extra leavening agents to the batter. You can use more baking powder, baking soda, or cream of tartar. You can also separate the eggs and whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and fold them into the batter to create more air bubbles.
Can I make the cake more flavorful?
Yes, you can make the cake more flavorful by adding some extra flavorings to the batter or the icing. You can use more orange zest, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon extract, or orange extract. You can also add some spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to give the cake some warmth and depth.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article about how to make a German orange cake at home. This cake is a delicious and easy recipe that anyone can make with some simple ingredients and steps. It has a moist and fluffy texture and a refreshing citrus flavor that will delight your taste buds. It is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a treat for yourself.
If you liked this article, please check out our other articles where we share with you some of the best recipes from around the world. We have articles on how to make French crepes, Italian tiramisu, Japanese cheesecake, and many more. You will find something for every taste and preference.
Thank you for reading and happy baking!