Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake

Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake Recipe from Haiti | Flour, Oranges, and Raisins

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 60-70 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

This Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake is a delicious and moist dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of orange and almond flavors with plump raisins creates a unique and flavorful cake that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. It originated from my great-grandmother who used to make this cake for special occasions. The combination of oranges, raisins, and almond extract was a favorite among family and friends, and it has become a staple dessert in our household.

Ingredients

4 cups of flour
2 tsp of baking powder
0.5 tsp of salt
2 tsp of baking soda
juice from 2 oranges
0.75 tsp of almond extract
2.5 cups of sugar
2 cups of raisins
orange zest from 2 oranges
1 cup of butter
1.5 cups of milk
2 tbsp of vinegar
4 eggs

How to prepare

Sift together the first 4 ingredients.
Combine 0.5 cup of orange juice and 0.5 cup of sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add almond extract and refrigerate.
Grind the reserved orange rind and add it to the raisins. Combine the milk and vinegar together.
Cream the butter and the remaining sugar.
Add the eggs one at a time.
Add the dry ingredients gradually and mix well.
Pour the mixture into the pan.
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes.
Remove from the oven and spoon the reserved orange juice mixture over the top and between the cake and sides of the pan.
Return the cake to the turned-off oven for 1 hour.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries or apricots for the raisins.
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice over the top of the cake.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

- Refrigerating the orange juice mixture helps to infuse the cake with a bright citrus flavor.

- Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is key to a tender and moist cake.

- Spooning the reserved orange juice mixture over the cake while it is still warm helps to keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

This Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Sifting the dry ingredients together helps to aerate the flour and create a lighter cake.

- Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy helps to incorporate air into the batter for a tender cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use orange extract instead of almond extract for a stronger citrus flavor.

- Margarine can be substituted for butter for a dairy-free version of this cake.

Make Ahead Tips

This cake can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finishing touch. Garnish with fresh orange slices or zest for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This cake is a good source of vitamin C from the oranges and vitamin E from the almond extract.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk, eggs) and nuts (almond extract), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake is a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, with a good amount of protein. It is also a good source of vitamins C and E.

Summary

This Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a moist and tender crumb, bright citrus flavor, and plump raisins, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through a box of old cookbooks at a garage sale. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a faded, hand-written recipe card for Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake. The name alone intrigued me, and I knew I had to try it.

Growing up, my mother was not much of a baker. She preferred savory dishes over sweet treats, so I never had the opportunity to learn how to bake from her. But that didn't stop me from experimenting in the kitchen on my own.

I took the recipe card home and carefully read through the ingredients and instructions. It seemed simple enough, but there was something about the combination of butter, orange, and raisins that piqued my curiosity. I gathered the ingredients and got to work, following the recipe to a tee.

The kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of butter and orange as the cake baked in the oven. When it was finally done, I couldn't wait to taste it. The first bite was a revelation. The cake was moist and tender, with bursts of sweetness from the plump raisins and a citrusy tang from the orange zest. It was love at first bite.

From that moment on, Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and any occasion that called for a delicious dessert. Each time I baked it, I would think back to that hot summer day and the serendipitous discovery of the recipe that had brought so much joy to my kitchen.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. I added a touch of cinnamon for warmth, a sprinkle of nuts for crunch, and a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness. The cake became a reflection of my own culinary style, a labor of love that I was proud to share with others.

I had always been a firm believer in the power of food to bring people together, and Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake was no exception. It became a symbol of comfort and connection, a dessert that could mend relationships, heal wounds, and create lasting memories.

One day, I decided to share the recipe with a friend who was going through a difficult time. As she took her first bite of the cake, her eyes lit up with delight. She told me that it reminded her of her own grandmother's baking, and that it brought back precious memories of happier times.

That's when I realized the true magic of cooking and baking. It wasn't just about following a recipe or creating something delicious. It was about evoking emotions, stirring memories, and nourishing the soul.

Over the years, I have collected many recipes from various places and people, each one telling a story of its own. But Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the recipe that started it all, the one that ignited my passion for baking and brought so much joy to those around me.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my collection of cookbooks and recipe cards, I can't help but feel grateful for all the delicious moments that Buttery-Orange Raisin Cake has brought into my life. It may be just a simple dessert, but to me, it represents so much more – love, connection, and the power of a good recipe to bring people together.