Zesty Sicilian Whole Orange Cake Recipe: Sweet Citrus Joy

Bursting with Mediterranean sunshine, this Sicilian whole orange cake recipe captures the essence of Italy’s most vibrant flavors.

Every slice tells a story of rustic tradition and bold citrus notes.

Oranges play a starring role, infusing the cake with their entire essence – peel, pulp, and all.

The recipe celebrates simplicity, using whole oranges that release their natural sweetness and aromatic oils into a moist, tender crumb.

Rich yet light, this cake brings a touch of Sicilian elegance to your dessert table.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through sun-drenched orchards and classic Italian baking techniques.

You’ll fall in love with this remarkable dessert that turns a humble orange into a spectacular culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 9

Sicilian Orange Cake: Ingredient List

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, choose fresh farm eggs for best flavor and fluffiness.
• Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes, select fine granulated sugar for smooth texture.
• Flour: Creates cake's foundation, opt for all-purpose flour with consistent protein content.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise evenly, ensure it's fresh and not expired for perfect lift.

• Whole Orange: Delivers intense citrus essence, select ripe, organic oranges with vibrant skin.
• Yogurt: Adds tenderness and subtle tang, choose full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess.
• Butter: Enhances richness and creates smooth crumb, use high-quality unsalted butter.
• Vanilla: Deepens flavor complexity, select pure extract over artificial versions.

• Orange Juice: Creates glossy coating, freshly squeezed provides brightest flavor.
• Sugar: Transforms into shiny syrup, use white granulated for clear, transparent glaze.

Tools for Baking Whole Orange Cake

• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Food Processor: Perfect for pureeing the whole orange into a smooth consistency.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining cake ingredients and creating the batter.
• 8-inch Springform Pan: Crucial for baking and easy cake removal.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and creates clean cake edges.
• Cake Tester or Skewer: Helps check if the cake is fully baked.
• Sifter: Ensures flour and baking powder are lump-free.
• Spatula: Useful for stirring and scraping batter.
• Small Saucepan: Required for making the orange glaze.
• Pastry Brush: Helps evenly spread the glaze over the cake.

Steps for Making Sicilian Citrus Cake

• Baking Preparation

Warm up the oven and get your pan ready with a light coating of oil. Choose an 8-inch springform pan for the perfect shape.

• Whipping Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine sugar and eggs, whipping them until they transform into a cloud-like, airy mixture that looks super fluffy.

• Flour Magic

Softly sift flour with baking powder, then gently fold into the egg mixture. Add soft butter and continue blending until everything looks smooth and silky.

• Orange Transformation

Toss a whole orange into a food processor and blend until it becomes a luscious, vibrant puree. Stir this zesty mixture into your cake batter for a burst of citrus flavor.

• Cake Baking

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for about an hour, checking with a skewer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

• Glaze Finale

Create a sparkling orange glaze by simmering orange juice with sugar until it becomes a glossy syrup. Drizzle this liquid sunshine over the cooled cake for a stunning finish.

• Serving Suggestion

Let the cake rest and cool completely before slicing. Each bite promises a refreshing, sunshine-filled experience that celebrates the bold flavors of Sicily.

Flavor Tips for Whole Orange Bakes

• Grate some extra orange zest into the batter for an intensified citrus flavor that makes the cake pop with brightness.
• Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake tender; fold ingredients gently until just combined for a light, soft texture.
• Poke small holes in the warm cake before adding the glaze so it seeps deeper, creating more intense orange flavor throughout.
• Use cake flour instead of all-purpose for an even more delicate, melt-in-your-mouth crumb that's quintessentially Italian.
• Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of mascarpone cream for an authentic Sicilian touch that elevates the dessert from simple to spectacular.

Slice and Serve Sicilian Orange Cake

• Elegant Dessert Companion: Serve this moist Sicilian whole orange cake with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, enhancing its citrusy richness and providing a luxurious creamy contrast.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair the cake with a fragrant Earl Grey tea or strong espresso, which beautifully complements the orange's bright, zesty flavor profile and cuts through the cake's sweetness.
• Mediterranean-Style Presentation: Garnish individual slices with fresh orange zest, candied orange peel, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of citrus intensity.
• Seasonal Fruit Accent: Add a small side of macerated berries or blood orange segments to create a vibrant, refreshing accompaniment that highlights the cake's Mediterranean origins and natural orange essence.

Storing Citrus Cakes the Right Way

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the Sicilian whole orange cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and soft texture.
• Fridge-Friendly Approach: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil if storing in the refrigerator, which extends its freshness up to 6-7 days without compromising flavor.
• Freezer Magic: Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Frozen cake stays delectable for up to 2-3 months.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the cake one day in advance to allow flavors to develop and intensify. Let it sit at room temperature, covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying out, which enhances its rich orange essence.

Vibrant Sicilian Whole Orange Cake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Rich Italian Sicilian whole orange cake delivers a moist, zesty dessert celebrating Mediterranean citrus traditions. Homemade baking brings Mediterranean warmth directly to kitchens, inviting you to savor authentic flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large organic orange
• 1 ¾ cups (275g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsps baking powder (or 1 packet Italian Pane Degli Angeli vanilla baking powder)
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/8 cups (250g) sugar
• ⅓ cup (100g) butter, softened
• ⅓ cup (100g) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 juice of 1 organic orange
• ⅓ cup (100g) sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (if using plain baking powder)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F (175°C), ensuring uniform heat distribution.
2. Pan Setup: Thoroughly grease an 8-inch springform pan with oil or butter, then line meticulously with parchment paper for effortless cake release.
3. Batter Foundation: Whip sugar and eggs using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, creating a light, airy base for the cake.
4. Ingredient Integration: Sift flour and baking powder, gently fold into the egg mixture while simultaneously incorporating softened butter to maintain a silky, homogeneous texture.
5. Moisture Enhancement: Blend yogurt into the batter, ensuring complete incorporation and a smooth, consistent mixture.
6. Citrus Transformation: Pulverize the whole orange in a food processor, breaking down the fruit into a fine, liquid-like consistency.
7. Flavor Infusion: Thoroughly mix the orange puree into the cake batter, distributing the citrus essence evenly throughout the mixture.
8. Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading carefully to create an even surface, then bake for 50-60 minutes, periodically testing doneness with a cake tester.
9. Cooling and Glazing: After baking, let the cake rest for 15 minutes, release from the springform pan, then create a glossy syrup by simmering orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan.
10. Final Touch: Delicately brush the warm glaze over the cake’s surface, allowing it to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Maximize Orange Flavor: Use a whole, organic orange with thin, unblemished skin for maximum citrus essence and optimal zest concentration.
• Prevent Cake Sinking: Avoid overmixing batter and ensure ingredients are room temperature to maintain perfect cake structure and rise.
• Moisture Magic: The yogurt and whole orange puree create an incredibly moist texture, so precise measurements are crucial for consistent results.
• Glaze Technique: Apply glaze while cake is warm to help syrup penetrate deeply, enhancing overall flavor and creating a luscious, moist finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg