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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Orange Elements: Mix in the orange juice and grated orange zest to the wet mixture, enhancing the flavor with fresh citrus notes.
- 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.
- Fold in Crystallized Ginger: Carefully fold the chopped crystallized ginger into the batter, dispersing the spicy-sweet bits throughout the cake.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
