Orange Zest Butter Cake

This Orange Zest Butter Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of traditional shortbread with a refreshing hint of citrus. The result is a perfectly balanced cake that’s both simple and sophisticated. Whether served with a cup of tea in the afternoon or as a light dessert after dinner, this cake is sure to impress with its tender crumb and aromatic zest.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Preparation

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray, then line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This will ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine salt, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and orange zest until smooth and well combined. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the room-temperature egg and egg yolk to the butter mixture, beating until completely incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and should come together nicely.
6. Press and Smooth the Dough: Press the dough into the prepared springform pan. To create a smooth surface, place a piece of plastic wrap over the dough and use it to evenly spread the dough to the edges of the pan. Discard the plastic wrap once done.
7. Brush and Decorate: Lightly brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg white. Using the tines of a fork, make crosshatch patterns across the surface. This will give the cake a classic, decorative touch.
8. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top has a nice golden hue.
9. Cool: Allow the cake to rest for 5 minutes in the pan before carefully removing it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Bonus Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange juice to the dough. This will enhance the citrus notes and add a subtle, tangy twist to the cake.

Conclusion

This Orange Zest Butter Cake is a delightful and versatile dessert that will bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. The combination of buttery richness and bright citrus zest creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delicate balance of flavors and the satisfying, tender crumb in every bite!