Description
This Zesty Persian Orange Cake is a moist and tender citrus dessert infused with fresh orange zest, juice, and a hint of orange blossom water. Finished with a fragrant orange glaze, it’s perfect for tea time or special occasions.
Ingredients
200 g all-purpose flour
200 g sugar
3 large eggs
120 g unsalted butter, softened
Zest and juice of 2 large oranges
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
100 ml whole milk
1 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)
150 g powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the zest and juice of the oranges along with the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the milk and orange blossom water (if using) until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, mix powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of orange juice to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and drizzle with the glaze before serving.
Notes
Add chopped pistachios or slivered almonds on top for extra crunch and elegance.
Substitute part of the milk with more orange juice for a stronger citrus flavor.
For a lighter version, reduce sugar and skip the glaze.
Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for extra warmth and spice.
Try using blood oranges when in season for a richer color and flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate if warm.
To reheat, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds.
Freezes well for up to 2 months when tightly wrapped.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
