– 1 cup fine cornmeal (polenta)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– Zest of 2 oranges
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
– Fresh orange slices or berries, for serving (optional)
Follow these easy steps to create a delightful Orange Polenta Cake:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fine cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine and set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps build the structure of the cake.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: Blend in the freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth and thick.
7. Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: When the cake is cool, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar. Optional: Garnish with fresh orange slices or berries for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Following these steps will quickly lead you to a beautiful and delicious Orange Polenta Cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.