21 May 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp butter
5 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
Torta de Laranja is a delightful Portuguese orange cake that's known for its rich citrus flavor and moist texture. This traditional dessert is simple to make and is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, you can create a deliciously tangy and sweet treat that will impress your family and friends.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a round cake pan (8-inch or 9-inch works well) or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Melt the Butter:
- Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Set it aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of all-purpose white wheat flour and 1 cup of sugar until well combined.
4. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 5 eggs and whisk them lightly.
- Add the melted butter (make sure it’s cool enough not to cook the eggs), 1/2 cup of orange juice, and whisk until everything is well mixed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry flour-sugar mixture into the wet egg mixture. Stir continuously until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps.
6. Pour the Batter:
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake:
- Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The torta de laranja should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Cool:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve:
- Once cooled, your torta de laranja is ready to be served. You can enjoy it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips:
- Tip 1: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice rather than store-bought juice.
- Tip 2: Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly to incorporate air, which will help the cake rise properly.
- Tip 3: Sift the flour before adding it to the batter to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Tip 4: Grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Tip 5: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it to avoid breaking or crumbling.
Making Torta de Laranja is a straightforward process that yields a flavorful and aromatic dessert. The combination of butter, eggs, sugar, and fresh orange juice creates a harmonious blend of sweetness and citrus. Whether you serve it as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee, this Portuguese orange cake is sure to be a hit.