Boiled Orange Cake Recipe

Sunshine in Every Bite: Zesty Boiled Orange Cake Recipe

Crafting a delightful boiled orange cake brings unexpected joy to your baking adventure.

Citrus enthusiasts will adore this unique twist on traditional desserts.

Mediterranean baking techniques transform simple ingredients into something magical.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen with warmth and excitement.

Oranges become the star of this surprisingly moist and tender treat.

Subtle zesty notes dance through each delectable slice.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly simple yet impressively delicious.

One bite promises to become your new favorite comfort dessert.

Why You’ll Crave Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake

Why You’ll Crave Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake
  • Savor Whole Fruit Magic: This recipe transforms entire oranges into a delightful cake, using the entire fruit for maximum flavor and minimal waste.
  • Simplify Baking Mastery: With just a few basic steps and common ingredients, anyone can create a stunning dessert without complex techniques or professional skills.
  • Celebrate Gluten-Free Goodness: Crafted with ground almonds instead of traditional flour, this cake offers a delicious option for those avoiding gluten while delivering rich, moist texture.
  • Embrace Unique Preparation: Boiling whole oranges creates an extraordinary method that infuses deep citrus essence throughout the cake, producing a uniquely intense and aromatic result.

Ingredients For Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake

Citrus Base:
  • Whole Oranges: Fresh oranges that will be boiled and pureed to create a rich, intense citrus flavor for the cake.
Cake Binding and Structure:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake ingredients together.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Almonds: Contribute nutty flavor and additional moisture to the cake.
Leavening and Baking Agents:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.

Simple Steps For Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake

Simple Steps For Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake

Step 1: Softening the Citrus

Place whole oranges in a large pot of water. Boil the oranges gently for about 2 hours until they become incredibly tender. Remove from heat and let them cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, carefully cut the oranges open and remove any seeds.

Step 2: Creating Smooth Orange Base

Transfer the entire orange – including the peel – into a food processor. Blend until you create a silky, smooth puree with no large chunks remaining.

Step 3: Preparing the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grab a cake pan and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 4: Mixing the Magical Batter

In a large mixing bowl, crack open the eggs and whisk them until they become light and fluffy. Gradually add:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground almonds
  • Baking powder
  • Prepared orange puree

Blend all ingredients until they form a smooth, consistent batter.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

Allow the cake to cool completely inside the pan. This helps it set properly. Once cooled, gently remove from the pan, slice, and serve. Enjoy your delightful orange cake!

Useful Tips For Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake

  • Boil Oranges Perfectly: Choose ripe, thick-skinned oranges for maximum flavor and easier boiling process.
  • Prepare Puree Smoothly: Blend oranges completely to ensure no large chunks disrupt cake texture.
  • Manage Baking Time Carefully: Check cake at 45 minutes to prevent over-browning; use a skewer to test doneness.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index version.
  • Store Like a Pro: Keep cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture.

Tasty Ideas For Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake

  • Gluten-Free Orange Almond Cake: Swap regular almonds with gluten-free almond flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Citrus Medley Cake: Replace oranges with a combination of lemons, limes, and oranges for a complex citrusy flavor profile.
  • Vegan Orange Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, using plant-based sugar to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Orange Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar for a diabetic-friendly alternative with reduced calories.

Good Matches For Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake

  • Pair Zesty Orange Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Moscato to complement the cake's sweet and tangy orange essence, enhancing the citrusy notes with a light, refreshing wine.
  • Serve Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Top the cake slice with a dollop of mascarpone cream or vanilla bean ice cream, creating a smooth contrast to the dense, moist cake texture.
  • Match Nutty Cappuccino: Brew a rich cappuccino with almond milk to echo the cake's almond ingredient, providing a warm, complementary beverage that highlights the cake's nutty undertones.
  • Garnish with Candied Orange Zest: Sprinkle homemade candied orange peel on top of the cake slice, intensifying the citrus flavor and adding a delightful crunchy texture to each bite.

Best Way To Store Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake

  • Store cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Slice cake, wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months.
  • Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain cake's soft texture.
  • Remove frozen cake slices and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. Allows gradual defrosting without compromising taste or texture.

Mary Berry Boiled Orange Cake Questions Answered

  • Why boil the oranges whole?

Boiling softens the oranges completely, removes bitterness, and helps create a smooth, intense orange flavor throughout the cake.

  • Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes, ground hazelnuts or walnuts work great as alternative nut options for this cake, providing similar texture and richness.

  • Is this cake gluten-free?

The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free since it uses almond meal instead of wheat flour, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is ready. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to touch.

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Boiled Orange Cake Recipe

Boiled Orange Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mediterranean sunshine dances through this Boiled Orange Cake, infusing classic citrus charm with rich, moist perfection. Fragrant orange notes and delicate crumb invite passionate bakers to savor a slice of comforting culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large oranges
  • 6 eggs
  • 225 grams (8 ounces) ground almonds

Sweeteners:

  • 225 grams (8 ounces) sugar

Leavening Agent:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Immerse whole oranges in water and simmer gently for 120 minutes until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  2. Remove oranges from water and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
  3. Slice oranges in half and carefully remove any seeds, maintaining the entire peel and pulp.
  4. Transfer oranges into a food processor and blend until creating a smooth, consistent puree with no large chunks.
  5. Heat the oven to 200°C and prepare a round cake tin by lightly greasing and dusting with flour.
  6. Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until they become light and frothy.
  7. Gradually incorporate sugar, ground almonds, and baking powder into the egg mixture, stirring until well combined.
  8. Fold the orange puree into the batter, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  9. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely inside the tin to maintain its structure.
  12. Once cooled, carefully release from the tin, slice, and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • Boost moisture by keeping the orange whole during boiling to preserve essential oils and natural sweetness.
  • Swap almonds with gluten-free ground nuts like hazelnut or cashew for celiac-friendly version.
  • Control baking time carefully as dense cakes can quickly dry out – check with skewer at 45 minutes to ensure perfect texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for lower-calorie option without compromising cake’s rich flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 342
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 2mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 93mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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