Light and Zesty Orange Cloud Cake
Indulge in the delightful lightness of this Light and Zesty Orange Cloud Cake, a perfect dessert that balances sweetness with a refreshing citrus tang. This cake is made with fluffy egg whites and enriched with orange juice and zest, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Ideal for gatherings, it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or served as a festive dessert. Easy to make and even easier to share, this cake is sure to impress your friends and family with its airy texture and vibrant flavor.
16
Servings
100
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cake flour
1 cup (sifted)
powdered sugar
1 1/4 cups (sifted)
egg yolks
5
orange rind
1 tablespoon (finely shredded)
egg whites
5
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon
orange juice
1 cup
honey
1 tablespoon
almond extract
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Do not grease your pan to allow the cake to cling to the sides as it rises.
2
In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour and 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar. Set this mixture aside for later.
3
In a separate small mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg yolks on high speed for about 6 minutes, or until they are thick and have turned a light lemon color.
4
Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar to the yolks while continuing to beat, mixing for about 4 more minutes. Stir in the finely shredded orange rind and mix until combined.
5
With clean beaters, in a large bowl, beat the egg whites, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
6
Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites, being careful to maintain the aeration of the eggs.
7
Sift the flour mixture over the egg mixture in three separate additions, folding it in gently each time until just combined. Do not overmix.
8
Pour the batter into an ungreased 9-inch tube pan, smoothing the top.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
10
Once done, immediately invert the cake in the pan and allow it to cool completely.
11
Carefully remove the cooled cake from the pan and use a long-tined fork to poke holes at 1-inch intervals across the top of the cake.
12
To make the syrup, combine the orange juice and honey in a saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes.
13
Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract.
14
Slowly spoon the syrup evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually. Chill in the refrigerator if desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
0.1g
Fat
24g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Light and Zesty Orange Cloud Cake?
It is a light, fluffy dessert that balances sweetness with a refreshing citrus tang, made with egg whites, orange juice, and orange zest.
How many servings does this cake recipe yield?
This recipe yields 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
Should I grease the cake pan before baking?
No, do not grease the pan; this allows the cake to cling to the sides as it rises.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sifted cake flour.
How should I prepare the egg yolks?
Beat the egg yolks on high speed for about 6 minutes until they are thick and light lemon-colored.
When do I add the powdered sugar to the yolks?
Gradually add the sugar to the yolks while continuing to beat for about 4 more minutes after the initial beating.
What stage should the egg whites reach during beating?
The egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar should be beaten until soft peaks form.
How do I combine the yolk mixture and the egg whites?
Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites to maintain aeration.
How should the flour be incorporated into the batter?
Sift the flour mixture over the egg mixture in three separate additions, folding gently each time.
What type of pan is recommended for this cake?
A 9-inch tube pan is recommended.
How long does the Orange Cloud Cake need to bake?
It should bake for about 55 minutes.
How can I tell if the cake is done?
The cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched.
What is the cooling procedure for this cake?
Immediately invert the cake in the pan and allow it to cool completely before removal.
How do I prepare the cake for the orange syrup?
Use a long-tined fork to poke holes at 1-inch intervals across the top of the cooled cake.
What ingredients are in the syrup?
The syrup consists of orange juice, honey, and almond extract.
How long should the syrup simmer?
The orange juice and honey mixture should simmer for about 5 minutes.
When is the almond extract added to the syrup?
Stir in the almond extract after removing the simmered syrup from the heat.
How do I apply the syrup to the cake?
Slowly spoon the syrup evenly over the cake, allowing it to absorb gradually.
Is it necessary to chill the cake?
While optional, chilling the cake in the refrigerator before serving is recommended.
How much fat is in one serving of this cake?
This cake is very low in fat, containing only 0.1g per serving.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 2g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much orange rind is required?
You need 1 tablespoon of finely shredded orange rind.
What role does cream of tartar play?
It helps stabilize the egg whites to achieve the desired fluffy texture.
Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
The recipe specifically calls for powdered sugar to maintain the cake's light texture.
What are the primary flavors of this dessert?
The primary flavors are orange, vanilla, and a hint of almond.
How many egg whites are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 5 egg whites.
What makes the texture of this cake like a 'cloud'?
The combination of whipped egg whites, cake flour, and the specific folding technique creates its signature airy, cloud-like texture.