A slice of Turkish delight: orange cake with a secret coffee twist
Imagine this: you sink your fork into a moist, tender cake bursting with sunshine-bright orange flavor. But wait, what’s that subtle depth, that hint of something unexpected? Ah, yes, the delightful secret – coffee! This is no ordinary orange cake; it’s a journey inspired by a Turkish chef, where citrusy sweetness meets the warm embrace of roasted coffee beans, creating a flavor symphony that will tantalize your taste buds.
Forget dry, store-bought treats. This recipe, adapted from a hidden gem shared by a Turkish culinary master, brings you a homemade masterpiece. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an experience. The blending of oranges, their zest woven into the batter, delivers a vibrant punch of freshness. Then comes the coffee, not overpowering, but a gentle whisper that adds complexity and richness. It’s like discovering a hidden spice in a familiar dish, a delightful surprise that elevates the whole thing to a new level.
But don’t just take our word for it. Dive into this recipe and create your own slice of Turkish delight. With easy-to-follow instructions and a touch of culinary magic, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a flavor adventure with this unique and captivating orange coffee cake.
Orange Cake with a Secret Coffee Twist
This recipe, adapted from a Turkish chef’s secret, takes a classic orange cake and adds a surprising twist – coffee! The result is a moist and flavorful cake with a unique depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 oranges, peeled and roughly chopped (sweet oranges preferred)
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup (160 grams) sugar
- 1 cup (200 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (200 ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
- 10 grams baking powder
- 2 tablespoons (15 grams) instant coffee (like Nescafe Gold)
For greasing the pan:
- 1/2 teaspoon butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
For the syrup:
- 1.5 cups (300 ml) cold milk
For garnish:
- Shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the oranges: Cut the oranges into small pieces, removing any seeds and white pith. Blend the oranges in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Cream the eggs and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add the vegetable oil, milk, orange zest, and blended oranges to the egg mixture. Mix well.
- Sift in dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 170°C (338°F). Grease a baking pan with butter and dust with flour.
- Pour the batter: Pour 3/4 of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Make the coffee swirl: Dissolve the instant coffee in a small amount of water. Drizzle the coffee mixture over the batter in a circular pattern. Use a toothpick or spatula to swirl the coffee slightly into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the syrup: While the cake is baking, heat the cold milk in a saucepan until simmering.
- Soak the cake: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, brush it with the warm milk syrup. This will help keep the cake moist and flavorful.
- Cool and garnish: Let the cake cool slightly before garnishing with shredded coconut.
Tips
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use more instant coffee or a stronger coffee concentrate.
- You can substitute orange juice for some or all of the fresh oranges.
- If you don’t have instant coffee, you can use finely ground coffee, but you may need to adjust the amount and brewing method slightly.
- Serve this cake warm or at room temperature, with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect pairing.
Enjoy this delicious and unique cake that is sure to impress your friends and family!
