The addition of cornmeal in this Orange Cornmeal Cake provides just a hint of texture to a simple dessert. This easy cake recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time.
Grease and flour (or use non-stick spray) an 8-inch springform pan. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift or whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs with the sugar for 1-2 minutes.
To this, add the oil, orange zest, and orange juice. Whisk to combine properly together.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine with a wooden or rubber spoon. Do not over mix.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
As an optional step, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of turbinado (or raw) sugar.
Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.
Transfer the cake to a rack where it can cool down for about 15 minutes before removing from the pan.
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Notes
Sifting the dry ingredients together will allow for better distribution of all the individual ingredients throughout the dry mixture. The process also aerates the dry ingredients making the final product lighter in texture.
Do not overmix the batter as this will result in a tough cake.
Use light olive oil. Although extra virgin olive oil can be used, the taste can be overpowering in this orange-flavored cake.
Do not overbake this cake as it will turn out dry. Use a cake tester to check for doneness. Other signs of doneness include firmness around the edges and the cake beginning to pull away from the sides.
This cake is best served the day it is made.
Cake toppings and garnishings:You can simply garnish this cake with a dusting of icing sugar. Or if you prefer, you can make an orange syrup. To make an orange syrup: Simply whisk together 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice with ½ cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Add thin slices of orange rind, preferably organic. Place over low heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce/syrup thickens. Quickly brush over cake top and serve immediately. A dollop of whipped ricotta, a teaspoon of orange syrup, a thin slice of orange and a sprig of mint provides the perfect garnish.
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart.