Quick & Sunshine-Sweet Sicilian Whole Orange Cake Recipe

Sweet and vibrant Sicilian whole orange cake reimagines ordinary baking into a zesty culinary adventure with its unique approach to dessert making.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this remarkable treat that utilizes every fragrant aspect of citrus fruits.

Bakers appreciate how this cake celebrates simplicity and intense flavor without complicated techniques or rare ingredients.

The recipe captures the essence of sunny orchards and traditional baking wisdom passed through generations of Italian home cooks.

Rich, moist textures emerge from blending entire oranges—peel, pulp, and all—into a delightful batter that promises unexpected depth.

Intense citrus notes dance with subtle sweetness, creating a sensory experience that transports you to the rolling hills of Sicily.

Fresh ingredients and straightforward methods make this cake a perfect canvas for home bakers seeking something extraordinary.

Tips for Citrus-Forward Sicilian Whole Orange Cake Flavor

• Select Ripe, Juicy Oranges: Choose oranges that feel heavy for their size, indicating maximum juice and flavor for an intensely citrusy cake.
• Blend Orange Completely: Process the entire orange, including peel and pith, to extract maximum flavor and natural essential oils into the cake batter.
• Test Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert a thin skewer or cake tester into the center; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached when the cake is perfectly baked.
• Cool Gradually: Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before removing, preventing potential structural collapse and ensuring a stable cake texture.
• Glaze While Warm: Apply the orange syrup when the cake is still slightly warm, enabling better absorption and creating a moisture-rich, glossy finish.

Storing Sicilian Whole Orange Cake Without Losing Moisture

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Slice the cake, place wax paper between layers, and seal in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and enhance flavor.

Beverages and Add-Ons for Sicilian Whole Orange Cake

• Pair with Citrusy Whites: Complement the cake's bright orange flavor with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light wines enhance the cake's zesty undertones and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside a dollop of mascarpone cream or a scoop of vanilla bean gelato. The smooth, rich textures balance the cake's slightly tangy orange notes and add luxurious depth.
• Enjoy with Afternoon Tea: Brew a fragrant Earl Grey or orange-infused tea to highlight the cake's citrus essence. The subtle bergamot and tea's warmth create a delightful harmony with the sweet, moist cake.
• Garnish with Fresh Touches: Sprinkle candied orange peel or fresh orange segments on the side. These additions amplify the cake's natural citrus profile and provide a beautiful, vibrant presentation.

Flavor Boosts for Sicilian Whole Orange Cake Lovers

• Lemon Zest Remix: Swap the whole orange with two lemons, using both zest and juice for a bright, tangy version that maintains the cake's signature moistness.
• Olive Oil Elegance: Replace butter with high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired texture and subtle fruity undertones that complement the citrus notes.
• Almond Adventure: Fold in 1/2 cup ground almonds to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking, creating a nutty crunch and deeper flavor profile.
• Chocolate Citrus Fusion: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cake or mix 1/4 cup cocoa powder into the dry ingredients for a rich, decadent transformation that balances the cake's citrusy essence.

Sicilian Whole Orange Cake That’s Bright and Bold

• Burst with Whole Orange Flavor: This unique cake uses the entire orange, peel and all, creating an intense, vibrant citrus taste that packs a punch of natural sweetness and aromatic zestiness.
• Super Simple One-Bowl Magic: With minimal steps and basic ingredients, even novice bakers can easily whip up this delightful dessert without complicated techniques or professional skills.
• Incredibly Moist Texture Delight: The yogurt and whole orange puree guarantee an incredibly soft, tender cake that stays wonderfully moist and doesn't dry out quickly, ensuring each bite feels luxurious and smooth.
• Perfect for Casual Gatherings: Whether it's a family brunch, afternoon tea, or relaxed dessert after dinner, this Sicilian cake works beautifully for multiple occasions and always impresses guests with its rustic elegance.

What Goes into a True Sicilian Whole Orange Cake

• Whole Orange: Fresh, ripe orange with full flavor and natural sweetness, providing moisture and intense citrus essence.
• Sugar: Granulated white sugar for sweetness and helping to create a light, fluffy cake texture.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs for structure, richness, and helping the cake rise.
• Flour: All-purpose flour as the primary cake structure, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Butter: Softened butter for rich flavor and smooth cake texture.
• Yogurt: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, creating a soft crumb.

• Vanilla: Optional flavor booster that complements the orange's natural taste.

• Orange Juice: Fresh, bright citrus liquid for creating a glossy, flavorful glaze.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar to create a sweet, syrupy glaze consistency.

Easy Method for Moist Sicilian Whole Orange Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8-inch springform pan and coat it with cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, then give the paper another light spray.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add sugar and whip with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The color should transform into a creamy pale yellow.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

Sift flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl. This helps remove any lumps and creates a smoother cake texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Gently fold softened butter into the egg mixture. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture, stirring continuously. Add yogurt and mix until everything looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Process Orange

Wash the whole orange thoroughly. Chop into chunks and blend in a food processor until it becomes a near-smooth puree. No need to remove seeds or peel.

Step 6: Merge Orange Puree

Pour orange puree into cake batter. Add vanilla extract if desired. Stir until completely incorporated.

Step 7: Bake Cake

Transfer batter into prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Step 8: Check Cake Doneness

Insert a cake tester or thin knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

Step 9: Create Orange Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice and powdered sugar. Heat gently, stirring until mixture becomes syrupy.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Remove springform pan sides. Drizzle warm glaze over cake. Allow cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious Sicilian Whole Orange Cake!

Sicilian Whole Orange Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Sicilian whole orange cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table. Moist, aromatic layers infused with zesty orange flavor promise a delightful escape to Italy’s culinary landscape, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Whole Oranges:

• 1 large organic orange

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cup (275g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder (or 1 packet Italian Pane Degli Angeli vanilla baking powder)

Main Wet Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/8 cup (250g) sugar
• ⅓ cup (100g) butter, softened
• ⅓ cup (100g) plain Greek yogurt

Glaze:

• Juice of 1 organic orange
• ⅓ cup (100g) sugar

Optional Addition:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using plain baking powder)

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the center position and warm to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature throughout.
2. Prepare an 8-inch springform pan by coating thoroughly with oil or butter, then carefully line with parchment paper, focusing on smooth coverage.
3. Combine sugar and eggs in a spacious mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to whip until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, creating a light, airy texture.
4. Gently sift flour and baking powder together, gradually incorporating into the egg mixture while simultaneously folding in softened butter, maintaining a smooth, lump-free consistency.
5. Blend yogurt into the batter, stirring until completely integrated and creating a uniform mixture.
6. Transform the whole orange into a near-liquid state using a food processor, breaking down the fruit entirely.
7. Incorporate the orange puree into the cake batter, mixing thoroughly to distribute the citrus essence evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it carefully to ensure an even surface.
9. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, periodically checking doneness with a cake tester inserted near the center.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for approximately 15 minutes, then carefully release the springform pan’s sides.
11. For the glaze, combine orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan, simmering until the liquid transforms into a thick, glossy syrup.
12. Delicately spoon and brush the warm glaze over the cake’s surface, allowing it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Whole Orange Magic transforms the entire citrus fruit into a moist, aromatic cake without wasting any part of the fruit.
• Precise Baking requires testing doneness with a cake tester to avoid underbaking, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
• Versatile Mixing technique uses a food processor to break down the whole orange, creating intense citrus flavor throughout the cake.
• Glazing Technique involves creating a syrupy orange reduction that adds extra moisture and intensifies the cake’s natural citrusy sweetness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients help achieve a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that results in a lighter, more tender cake crumb.
• Make-Ahead Friendly dessert can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, wrapped tightly to maintain its incredible moisture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 49 g
• Sodium: 36 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg