Orange Slice Cake Recipe

Orange slice cake is a delightful treat that combines the bold flavor of citrus with a sweet and moist texture.

With its unique blend of ingredients like orange candies, orange juice, and dates, it creates a cake that is truly memorable and satisfying.

Remember that for the best results, I recommend baking the cake a day before you plan to serve it so it can become even more moist and delicious.

How to Make Orange Slice Cake

Ingredients List

• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (well-shaken)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pound dates, chopped
• 1 pound orange slice candies, chopped

Step-by-step Process

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).

Lightly grease and flour in a 10-inch tube pan.

Chop the dates and orange slice candies into small pieces.

Make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to use.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until smooth.

Make sure your butter is at room temperature, as this will help it blend more easily with the sugar.

Step 3

Crack the eggs one at a time and add them to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.

Beat well after each addition, ensuring they are thoroughly combined.

Step 4

Dissolve the baking soda in the well-shaken buttermilk.

The baking soda will react with the acidity in the buttermilk, creating a light and moist cake.

Step 5

Alternate adding the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the creamed butter, sugar, and eggs.

Be sure to start and end with the flour mixture.

Mix at a medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, toss the chopped dates and orange slice candies in some flour to prevent them from sinking in the cake batter.

Add the floured dates, orange candy pieces, and nuts, if desired, to the cake batter.

Use a wooden spoon to fold these ingredients into the batter gently.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the greased and floured 10-inch tube pan, leveling it with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the orange slice cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.

After cooling, remove the cake from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Now, your delicious, moist Orange Slice Cake is ready to be served.

Enjoy the unique flavor brought by the orange slice candies in every bite!

Side Dishes for Orange Slice Cake

When it comes to finding the perfect side dish to complement your orange slice cake, there are quite a few options to choose from.

Here are some delectable choices that can enhance the flavor, texture, and presentation of your dessert:

Vanilla Ice Cream

Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to your orange slice cake can create the perfect balance of cold and warm, creamy and fruity.

The neutral sweetness of vanilla ice cream complements the vibrant, tangy taste of the orange candy in the cake.

Greek Yogurt

If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option to serve alongside your cake, Greek yogurt can be a great choice.

Its thick, creamy texture can help to balance the rich, dense nature of an orange slice cake, while the tanginess of the yogurt cuts through the cake’s sweetness, providing a nice contrast.

Ingredients Substitutes

All-Purpose Flour substitutes 

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a combination of cake flour and whole wheat flour.

Try using ½ cup of cake flour and ½ cup of whole wheat flour for each cup of all-purpose flour required in the recipe.

This will provide an adequate structure and tenderness to the cake.

Pound Dates substitutes 

In case you don’t have dates on hand, you can substitute them with dried figs, apricots, or raisins.

Chop them up to a similar size as dates and use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

How to Store Orange Slice Cake

Storing your Orange Slice Cake properly will help maintain its freshness and flavor for longer periods.

Here are some methods to store your cake effectively.

Airtight Container

After allowing your cake to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container.

The container should be large enough so that it doesn’t squish the cake but not too large that it has too much air space inside, which could make the cake dry out faster.

Store the container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Plastic Wrap

Alternatively, you can wrap your cooled Orange Slice Cake in plastic wrap.

Ensure you wrap it tightly to reduce exposure to air, as this helps in preserving the cake’s moisture.

Storing your cake this way should keep it fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature.

Refrigeration

If you’d like your Orange Slice Cake to last longer, consider refrigerating.

First, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any fridge odors.

Store it in a designated area of your refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods. Your cake should stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing your Orange Slice Cake allows you to extend its shelf life even more.

Before freezing, ensure the cake has completely cooled.

It’s recommended to slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

For added protection, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top plastic bag.

Orange Slice Cake should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the cake slices in your refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Orange sliced cake:

Using the wrong cake pan

When making an orange slice cake, it is essential to use the correct size of pan.

A 10-inch tube cake pan is the recommended choice for this recipe.

Using a different size or type of cake pan may result in uneven baking or a poorly formed cake.

Be sure to grease and flour your pan properly to ensure that the cake does not stick.

Confusing it with a traditional fruit cake

While the orangeslice cake may share some similar components with a traditional fruit cake, it is not the same thing.

The orange gummy candies add a unique texture and flavor that sets it apart from other fruitcakes.

Be aware of this distinction to prevent unrealized expectations of your desired outcome.

Not paying attention to baking temperature and time

Orange slice cake requires precise temperature and baking time to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

Most recipes call for baking at a relatively low temperature (such as 250-325 degrees Fahrenheit) for a longer period (around 2 1/2 hours).

Ignoring these guidelines could result in an undercooked or overcooked cake.

Use a toothpick to check the doneness of your cake and ensure a perfect outcome.

Rushing the process

Patience is key when making an orange slice cake.

The low baking temperature and extended baking time allow the flavors to meld and the texture to develop properly.

Resist the urge to increase the temperature or shorten the baking time in order to speed up the process.

Patience will be rewarded with a delicious, dense, and flavorful orange slice cake.

Overcooking and ending up with a tough cake

Keep a close eye on your cake during the baking process to ensure it doesn’t get overcooked.

An overcooked orange slice cake can become tough and dry, losing its signature moist texture.

To avoid this, check the cake’s doneness with a toothpick at regular intervals, and remember to take your cake out of the oven once it’s perfectly baked.