Jamie Oliver’s orange cake is a delightful, moist, and zesty dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With the vibrant flavor of fresh oranges, this cake strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Whether you’re looking for a simple cake to enjoy with afternoon tea or a crowd-pleasing dessert for a special event, this orange cake is a must-try. The fresh orange juice and zest give it a natural citrus flavor, while the light, fluffy texture makes it a joy to eat.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Bright Citrus Flavor: The fresh orange juice and zest give this cake a refreshing, zesty flavor that’s perfect for citrus lovers.
- Moist and Tender: This cake has a beautifully moist texture thanks to the use of fresh orange juice and butter.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples like flour, eggs, and sugar, this cake is easy to make at home with minimal fuss.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weekend treat, this cake is versatile and always a hit.
- Easy to Customize: You can add a glaze, drizzle, or frosting to elevate the flavor or keep it simple and let the orange flavor shine.
What is a Jamie Oliver Orange Cake?
Jamie Oliver Orange cake is a classic dessert made with fresh orange juice and zest, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor. It’s typically a sponge cake that’s moist and light, with the option of adding a glaze or frosting for extra sweetness. This cake can be served as a simple snack cake or dressed up for more formal occasions.
Jamie Oliver Orange Cake Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- Zest and juice of 2 large oranges
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- 100g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Orange Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or a whisk.
3. Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour to help it come together.
4. Add the Orange Zest and Vanilla
Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract, ensuring the citrus flavor is well distributed throughout the batter.
5. Sift in the Dry Ingredients
Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
6. Add the Orange Juice
Gradually stir in the fresh orange juice, mixing until the batter is smooth and has a slightly runny consistency.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Orange Glaze (Optional)
While the cake is cooling, prepare the orange glaze by mixing the icing sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more icing sugar. For extra zestiness, stir in some orange zest.
10. Glaze the Cake (Optional)
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Orange Cake
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the zesty orange flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice of orange cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Fresh Berries: Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries make a refreshing side to the citrusy cake.
- Candied Orange Slices: Garnish the cake with candied orange slices for a decorative and flavorful touch.
- Orange Syrup: Drizzle a warm orange syrup over the cake for extra moisture and sweetness.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Orange Cake
- Use Fresh Oranges: For the best flavor, use fresh orange juice and zest. Avoid using bottled orange juice, as it may lack the vibrant citrus flavor.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: When folding in the flour, be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the cake.
- Add Glaze Only Once Cooled: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the glaze, or it may melt and become too runny.
Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Orange Cake
- Chocolate-Orange Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate over the cake for a decadent chocolate-orange combination.
- Almond Orange Cake: Replace a portion of the flour with ground almonds for a nutty flavor and moist texture.
- Vegan Orange Cake: Use a plant-based butter substitute and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make the cake vegan-friendly.
- Spiced Orange Cake: Add ground cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced version of the cake.
- Orange Poppy Seed Cake: Stir in a tablespoon of poppy seeds for added texture and a slight nutty flavor.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Orange Cake?
- Room Temperature: Store leftover orange cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: If you’ve added a glaze, the cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for Later: You can freeze the cake (without glaze) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Orange Cake?
- Oven Reheat: To reheat slices of cake, warm them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave Option: For a quick option, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds, though this may soften the cake.
- Serve Cold: This orange cake can also be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge for a refreshing citrusy treat.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice for this orange cake?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, as it adds a natural sweetness and vibrant citrus taste. Bottled orange juice may work, but it can lack the freshness and zestiness of fresh oranges.
How do I make my orange cake more moist?
To make the orange cake more moist, ensure you don’t overbake it. Additionally, adding a drizzle of orange syrup or glaze after the cake has cooled can enhance its moisture and add more flavor.
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s orange cake?
Yes, you can freeze orange cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.
What can I use instead of self-raising flour?
If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by mixing 200g plain flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will give the same results in the recipe.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s orange cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that brings the bright, zesty flavor of oranges into every bite. With its moist texture and refreshing citrus flavor, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or serving it as a show-stopping dessert. Add a drizzle of glaze or keep it simple—the choice is yours, and the results are always delightful.
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
PrintJamie Oliver Orange Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 minute
- Yield: serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver Orange cake is a classic dessert made with fresh orange juice and zest, giving it a bright, citrusy flavor. It’s typically a sponge cake that’s moist and light, with the option of adding a glaze or frosting for extra sweetness. This cake can be served as a simple snack cake or dressed up for more formal occasions.
Ingredients
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- Zest and juice of 2 large oranges
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Orange Glaze (Optional):
- 100g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or a whisk.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour to help it come together.
Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract, ensuring the citrus flavor is well distributed throughout the batter.
Sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the bowl. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
Gradually stir in the fresh orange juice, mixing until the batter is smooth and has a slightly runny consistency.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the orange glaze by mixing the icing sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more icing sugar. For extra zestiness, stir in some orange zest.
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.