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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