Description
This Orange Polenta Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert made with whole oranges and ground almonds, soaked in a spiced syrup for an intense citrus experience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 oranges (skin on and washed)
- 270 g caster sugar
- 5 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 170 g ground almonds
- 50 g polenta
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Grated zest of an orange
- 100 ml olive oil
- For the syrup: 1 vanilla bean
- 100 g caster sugar
- 100 ml water
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a 23cm springform cake tin.
- Place the whole oranges in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 hour until soft. Drain and cool.
- Cut the oranges into quarters, remove any seeds, and blend them into a smooth puree.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in the orange puree, vanilla extract, and olive oil.
- In another bowl, combine the ground almonds, polenta, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Fold this into the wet mixture until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, make the syrup. Split the vanilla bean and place it in a small pot with sugar, water, mixed spice, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Once the cake is done, allow it to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Poke holes in the cake with a skewer and pour the warm syrup over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Decorate with dried orange slices if desired. Serve with orange ice cream or crème.
Notes
The cake can be sliced and frozen; it defrosts quickly and remains delicious. Dried orange slices make an easy decoration; sprinkle with caster sugar and dry in a low oven. Serve with orange ice cream or crème for an extra citrusy treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 120