Orange Cornmeal Cake

This Orange Cornmeal Cake is a delightful blend of bright citrus flavors and the rustic texture of cornmeal. The cake is light yet substantial, with a golden crumb that’s both tender and slightly crumbly, thanks to the cornmeal. Fresh orange juice and zest infuse the cake with a fragrant citrus aroma, while a simple orange glaze on top adds a touch of sweetness and shine. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea, this cake brings a little sunshine to your table any time of the year.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Orange Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Incorporate wet ingredients: Mix in the orange juice, orange zest, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until combined.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
10. Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.

Enjoy this moist and flavorful Orange Cornmeal Cake as a sweet treat that celebrates the bright, tangy taste of fresh oranges!