Lenten Orange Cake Recipe from Macedonia | Ingredients: Sugar, Oil, Orange Juice, Raisins, Nuts

Lenten Orange Cake

Lenten Orange Cake Recipe from Macedonia | Ingredients: Sugar, Oil, Orange Juice, Raisins, Nuts
Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Lenten Orange Cake
Lenten Orange Cake

Lenten Orange Cake is a delicious and moist dessert that is perfect for those observing Lent or looking for a lighter, citrusy treat. This cake is bursting with orange flavor and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The Lenten Orange Cake has its origins in traditional Lenten fasting practices, where certain foods such as meat, dairy, and eggs are restricted. This cake is made without any animal products, making it suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet during Lent.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, oil, and juice. Mix at medium speed using a mixer or by hand for 10 minutes until well blended.
  3. Add the baking powder and soda to the mixture and blend well.
  4. Gradually mix in the flour until well blended. Then, add the raisins and nuts.
  5. Grease two pans measuring 8 x 8 x 2 inches each, or one oblong pan measuring 9 x 14 inches.
  6. Pour the batter into the greased pans.
  7. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Variations

  • Swap out the orange juice for lemon juice for a tangier flavor.
  • Add in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the batter well to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.

- Feel free to add in other mix-ins such as shredded coconut or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lenten Orange Cake with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicious finishing touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to mix the batter well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.

- Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of oil in place of the oil called for in the recipe.

- Feel free to use any type of dried fruit or nuts in place of the raisins and chopped nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

Lenten Orange Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lenten Orange Cake on a decorative platter with fresh orange slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lenten Orange Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Lenten Orange Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lenten Orange Cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lenten Orange Cake contains approximately 35g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lenten Orange Cake contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lenten Orange Cake contains approximately 3g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lenten Orange Cake is a good source of Vitamin C, thanks to the orange juice used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts. Please be cautious if you have nut allergies.

Summary

Lenten Orange Cake is a light and citrusy dessert that is perfect for those looking for a vegan or vegetarian option during Lent. It is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of Vitamin C.

Summary

Lenten Orange Cake is a delicious and citrusy dessert that is perfect for those observing Lent or looking for a vegan or vegetarian option. With its light and fluffy texture and burst of orange flavor, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who lived in a quaint little village nestled in the hills of Tuscany. Margaret was a wonderful cook, and I always looked forward to the delicious meals she would prepare for me during my visits.

On this particular day, Margaret had a surprise for me. She had been experimenting with a new recipe for a Lenten Orange Cake, and she wanted me to be her taste tester. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this cake was something truly special. The tangy sweetness of the oranges paired perfectly with the subtle hint of almond, creating a flavor that was both refreshing and comforting.

I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me, but she was hesitant. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to part with it just yet. However, after much persuasion on my part, she finally relented and agreed to teach me how to make the cake.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in Margaret's cozy kitchen, surrounded by the warm glow of the afternoon sun streaming through the windows. She showed me how to zest the oranges, how to fold the almond flour into the batter just so, and how to bake the cake until it was perfectly golden brown.

As we worked, Margaret shared stories of her family and how they had come to possess this special recipe. She told me about her great-grandmother, who had been a renowned cook in the village and had created the recipe as a way to celebrate the end of Lent each year. The cake had become a tradition in their family, passed down from mother to daughter for generations.

I was captivated by Margaret's storytelling, and by the time the cake was finished baking, I felt like I had been transported back in time to her great-grandmother's kitchen. As we sat down to enjoy the cake together, I knew that this recipe was something truly magical.

After my visit with Margaret, I returned home with the recipe for the Lenten Orange Cake tucked safely into my apron pocket. I couldn't wait to share it with my own family and friends, and to continue the tradition of making this special cake each year during Lent.

Over the years, I have made the Lenten Orange Cake countless times, each time thinking of Margaret and her family and the special bond we share through this recipe. It has become a staple in my own kitchen, a symbol of tradition and connection to the past.

As I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will cherish it as much as I have. May it bring you joy and comfort, and may it always remind you of the special moments and people who have touched your life along the way. And who knows, maybe one day you will find yourself in a cozy kitchen, sharing this recipe with someone special, just as I did with Margaret all those years ago.

Categories

| Cake Recipes | Lent Recipes | Macedonian Desserts | Macedonian Recipes | Raisin Recipes | Slavic Recipes |

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