Description
This Upside-Down Orange Glow Cake is a delightful, moist cake featuring a caramelized orange topping that creates a stunning presentation and a burst of citrus flavor. It’s perfect for a special brunch or as a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Layer and Topping
- 2 large oranges, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make Caramel Layer: Melt together 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/3 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until combined and slightly caramelized. Pour this caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
- Arrange Orange Slices: Place the thinly sliced orange pieces in a neat, even layer over the caramel mixture at the bottom of the pan. This will form the beautiful upside-down topping once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar. Then mix in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently and just until combined to keep the batter light and tender.
- Pour Batter Over Oranges: Carefully pour the batter over the arranged orange slices in the pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and Invert: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate so the caramelized orange slices are on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the orange slices are thinly sliced to allow them to soften and caramelize nicely during baking.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest to boost the citrus flavor in the cake.
- Greasing the pan well is essential to prevent the caramelized topping from sticking when inverted.
- This cake is delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Orange cake, Upside-down cake, Citrus dessert, Caramelized orange, Moist cake, Easy bake cake
