Orange Cake with Honey and Coconut Flakes
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 200 grams (1 cup) sugar
- 60 ml vegetable oil (half of a small cup)
- 150 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed juice of 1 orange)
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 220 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Honey, for drizzling
- Coconut flakes, for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and pinch of salt until frothy. Add the sugar gradually, whisking until the mixture is pale and creamy.
- Add the vegetable oil and orange juice, and whisk until combined.
- Add the grated orange zest and mix well.
- Preheat the oven:
- Add dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and decorate:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, drizzle with honey and sprinkle generously with coconut flakes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh orange segments for an extra citrusy touch.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a touch of indulgence.
Cooking Tips:
- Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances the flavor and makes the cake taste more vibrant.
- Don’t overmix: When adding the flour mixture, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar to 150 grams (3/4 cup).
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool before drizzling with honey and adding coconut flakes to prevent them from melting or sinking.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C from the orange juice and zest, which supports immune health.
- Healthy fats from vegetable oil, contributing to satiety.
- Source of energy from the sugar and carbohydrates, perfect for a pick-me-up.
- Coconut flakes add a dose of healthy fats and texture.
- No artificial flavors, just natural orange zest for a fresh taste.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
- Dairy-free since there is no milk or butter used.
- Nut-free, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
- Adjustable sweetness with the honey drizzle to suit your taste.
- Easily customizable by adding extra flavors like vanilla or almond extract.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g