Christmas Orange Ginger Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Orange Ginger Cake is a festive delight, combining warm spices with bright citrus notes. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy winter treat.

A loaf cake with a rough, golden brown crust on top and moist inside sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cake is cut into two pieces, showing a soft, light yellow interior filled with small bright orange fruit chunks spread evenly through the crumb. The cut slice in the front reveals a dense but fluffy texture with the fruit pieces visible in every bite. Sunlight highlights the warm colors and crumb details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, chopped

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
  3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the orange juice and grated orange zest until evenly mixed.
  6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
  7. Step 7: Fold in the chopped crystallized ginger carefully to distribute it throughout the batter.
  8. Step 8: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
  9. Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Step 10: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before removing and serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra moisture, consider brushing the cooled cake with a simple orange syrup made from orange juice and sugar.
  • Swap crystallized ginger with finely chopped fresh ginger for a more pungent zing.
  • Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a pleasant crunch.
  • Use a bundt pan for a festive presentation and easier slicing.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm slices gently in the microwave or oven to revive their moist texture.

How to Serve

Two slices of orange cake rest on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each slice shows one visible layer of moist, soft yellow cake with small pieces of orange fruit mixed inside. The top layer is a slightly darker, glossy caramelized orange crust with shiny chunks of orange zest scattered on it. The edges are golden brown and slightly crisp, contrasting with the light, airy inside. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the bright, inviting cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh ginger instead of crystallized ginger?

Yes, fresh ginger can be used but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the cake and chop it finely to distribute the flavor evenly.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Print
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Christmas Orange Ginger Cake Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Christmas Orange Ginger Cake is a festive and flavorful treat perfect for holiday celebrations. Combining the zesty brightness of orange with the warm spice of ginger and cinnamon, this moist cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s easy to prepare and bakes to a tender crumb, making it an ideal dessert to brighten your Christmas table.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the flour.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them and create a smooth batter.
  5. Add Orange Elements: Mix in the orange juice and grated orange zest to the wet mixture, enhancing the flavor with fresh citrus notes.
  6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  7. Fold in Crystallized Ginger: Carefully fold the chopped crystallized ginger into the batter, dispersing the spicy-sweet bits throughout the cake.
  8. Prepare Cake Pan: Grease a cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then pour the batter evenly into the pan, smoothing the top.
  9. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
  10. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once cooled.

Notes

  • You can substitute orange juice with freshly squeezed juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best creaming results.
  • Do not overmix after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Chopped crystallized ginger adds texture and a spicy kick; adjust amount based on your spice preference.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cake, orange ginger cake, holiday dessert, spiced cake, festive baking, moist cake

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