Orange Upside Down Cake

The Orange Upside Down Cake is a delightful dessert that showcases the vibrant flavors of oranges in a beautifully presented dish. Perfect for brunches, celebrations, or simply as an afternoon treat, this cake features stunning candied blood orange slices on top. With its bright citrus flavor and moist texture, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This orange upside down cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Flavorful Citrus: The combination of blood oranges and navel oranges creates a unique and refreshing taste that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with coffee; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant orange slices on top make this cake not just delicious but visually appealing too.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the sour cream and fresh orange juice, each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your orange upside down cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Zester or grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch round cake pan: Ideal for achieving an even bake and perfect shape for your upside down cake.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Zester or grater: Helps extract fresh orange zest, which adds incredible flavor to your cake.

Ingredients

A delicious and easy orange upside down cake featuring beautiful candied blood orange slices.

For the Orange Topping

• 1 blood orange
• 1 navel orange
• 2 cups water
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

For the Cake Batter

• 4 tsps grated orange zest from about 2 large oranges
• 1 cup strained fresh orange juice (you can add the juice of a lemon if you’d like some more zing)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs

Instructions:

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: orange upside down cake recipe
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 350 kcal, Carbs: 30 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 3 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 3.5 mg, Sodium: 190 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 10 g

How to Make Orange Upside Down Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oranges

Start by slicing both the blood orange and navel orange into thin rounds. Remove any seeds you find.

Step 2: Make the Candied Orange Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat:
1. Combine water and granulated sugar until dissolved.
2. Add the sliced oranges and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender.
3. Remove from heat and let them cool in syrup.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the batter.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
– Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl:
– Beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Eggs and Orange Juices

To the butter mixture:
– Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, grated zest, and strained fresh orange juice until smooth.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
– Mix gently using a rubber spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 8: Assemble in Pan

Arrange candied oranges at the bottom of your prepared cake pan:
– Pour batter evenly over the oranges.

Step 9: Bake Your Cake

Place in preheated oven:
– Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Once baked:
– Allow cooling in the pan for about ten minutes before flipping onto a serving plate.

Enjoy your homemade Orange Upside Down Cake, bursting with citrus flavor!

How to Serve Orange Upside Down Cake

Serving your Orange Upside Down Cake can elevate the experience and impress your guests. Here are some delightful ways to serve this beautiful dessert.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a rich taste that complements the citrus notes of the cake beautifully.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm, fruity cake, creating a delicious combination.

Topped with Candied Oranges

• Enhance the presentation by garnishing each slice with candied orange slices for added sweetness and color.

Served with a Citrus Glaze

• Drizzle a simple citrus glaze over the top for an extra layer of flavor and shine that makes each bite delectable.

Alongside Fresh Berries

• Fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries, provide a tart balance to the sweet cake, making every slice refreshing.

With a Side of Yogurt

• A dollop of tangy yogurt can cut through the sweetness of the cake while adding a creamy texture to each bite.

How to Perfect Orange Upside Down Cake

Creating the perfect Orange Upside Down Cake requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for delicious results.

• Use fresh oranges: Fresh oranges will give you the best flavor and aroma. Avoid bottled juice if possible.
• Zest properly: Make sure you zest only the outer orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith for a sweeter cake.
• Butter generously: Ensure your pan is well-buttered to prevent sticking and achieve that golden finish on your cake.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Cool before inverting: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before inverting it onto a plate. This helps maintain its shape.
• Serve warm: For optimal flavor and texture, serve your Orange Upside Down Cake warm straight from the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Upside Down Cake

Pairing sides with your Orange Upside Down Cake can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider.

1. Citrus Salad
   A light salad featuring mixed greens, avocado, and citrus segments enhances freshness alongside your cake.

2. Honey-Glazed Carrots
   Sweet carrots glazed with honey offer a lovely contrast to the tartness of the cake while adding color to your plate.

3. Roasted Almonds
   Crunchy roasted almonds bring texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with orange flavors in dessert.

4. Chilled Mint Tea
   Refreshing mint tea serves as a palate cleanser between bites, enhancing the overall dining experience.

5. Coconut Rice Pudding
   Creamy rice pudding with coconut milk offers comforting richness that complements the fruity notes of the cake.

6. Spiced Apple Compote
   This warm compote adds warmth and spice, making it an excellent pairing for each slice of orange upside down goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making an orange upside down cake, a few common pitfalls can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the zest: Not using grated orange zest can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always include this key ingredient for an aromatic boost.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can make the cake dense. Combine ingredients just until they’re blended for a lighter texture.

• Ignoring the baking time: Every oven is different. Check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.

• Not preparing the pan properly: Failing to grease and line your pan can cause sticking. Ensure you use parchment paper and grease it well for easy removal.

• Using old fruit: Using stale or overripe oranges may dull the taste of your cake. Always select fresh, vibrant oranges for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover orange upside down cake in an airtight container.
• item It can last up to 3 days in the fridge while maintaining its flavor and texture.

Freezing Orange Upside Down Cake

• item Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• item The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Orange Upside Down Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds. Check to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid on. Heat slices gently until warm, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this orange upside down cake special?

This orange upside down cake stands out due to its use of both blood oranges and navel oranges, creating a vibrant color and rich flavor profile that is truly unique.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with other citrus fruits like tangerines or lemons. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I know when my orange upside down cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is fully baked. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary by oven.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, ensuring it includes xanthan gum if required.

Final Thoughts

This orange upside down cake is not only visually appealing but also bursting with citrusy flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different citrus fruits or add spices like cinnamon for extra warmth. We encourage you to try this delightful dessert and make it your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Orange Upside Down Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 10 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful Orange Upside Down Cake, a stunning dessert that showcases the bright flavors of blood and navel oranges. This cake is perfect for brunches, celebrations, or simply as an afternoon treat. Topped with beautifully candied orange slices, it combines a moist texture with a refreshing citrus flavor that will impress your guests. With its easy preparation and versatile serving options, this cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a must-try for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 1 blood orange
• 1 navel orange
• 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 1 cup strained fresh orange juice
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs

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Instructions

1. Slice both oranges into thin rounds and remove any seeds.
2. Simmer the orange slices in water and sugar until tender to create a candied topping.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl; cream butter and sugar in another.
5. Add eggs, sour cream, zest, and orange juice to the butter mixture until smooth.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently; pour over candied oranges in a greased pan.
7. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool slightly before inverting onto a serving plate.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg