A simple and mouthwatering recipe for **Orange Cake** that melts in your mouth! This cake is quick and easy to make, and the fresh citrusy flavor makes it irresistibly delicious.
### **Melting Orange Cake Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
- 200 grams (1 cup) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
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### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Preheat the oven:**
- Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
#### 2. **Whisk eggs and sugar:**
- In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or whisk this by hand for about 3-5 minutes until it turns pale.
#### 3. **Add orange juice and zest:**
- Add the freshly squeezed orange juice and the zest of one orange to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine. The fresh juice and zest will infuse the cake with a wonderful, fragrant citrus flavor.
#### 4. **Mix dry ingredients:**
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevent clumps in the batter.
#### 5. **Combine wet and dry ingredients:**
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
#### 6. **Add oil or melted butter:**
- Pour in the vegetable oil or melted butter. Mix it in gently until incorporated. This helps the cake stay moist and tender.
#### 7. **Bake:**
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it toward the end!
#### 8. **Cool and serve:**
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar for a delicate finish or even drizzle some more fresh orange juice mixed with powdered sugar for a simple glaze.
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### **Optional Variations:**
- **Add Orange Syrup**: After baking, you can drizzle a simple orange syrup (made by heating orange juice and sugar until it thickens) over the cake to make it extra moist and bursting with flavor.
- **Add a Twist of Flavor**: You can add a little lemon zest or a touch of cinnamon to the batter for added depth.
This cake is perfect for a quick dessert or a light snack with tea or coffee! Let me know how it turns out if you decide to give it a go.