Moist Eggless Orange Zest Cake

The Eggless Orange Zest Cake is a delightful and flavorful treat that brings together the refreshing essence of oranges and the light, moist texture of an eggless cake. This recipe is a perfect choice for those who prefer eggless desserts or have dietary restrictions, without compromising on taste and quality.

To create this zesty masterpiece, the cake begins with a combination of dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt come together to form the base of the cake. The dry ingredients are carefully whisked, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents and sweetness throughout the cake.

In a separate bowl, the wet ingredients are assembled to add moisture and tanginess to the cake. Plain yoghurt serves as the egg substitute, providing a creamy texture and tender crumb to the final product. Vegetable oil, a neutral and light oil, complements the flavours of the oranges without overpowering them. Freshly squeezed orange juice brings out the natural essence of the fruit, infusing the cake with its bright citrus notes.

The star of the show is the finely grated orange zest, obtained from the outer peel of the orange. This vibrant orange outer layer holds an abundance of essential oils and aromatic compounds that impart a burst of intense citrus flavour to the cake. The zest is finely grated and added to the wet ingredients, ensuring that every bite of the cake is filled with the essence of fresh oranges.

A hint of vanilla extract is added to round out the flavours and provide a subtle depth to the cake. The wet ingredients are then combined with the dry ingredients, and the batter is gently folded together until just mixed. Overmixing is avoided to maintain the light and airy texture of the cake.

The batter is poured into a greased cake pan and placed in a preheated oven. As the cake bakes, the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of oranges, heightening anticipation for the delightful treat that is soon to emerge.

While the cake bakes to perfection, the orange glaze is prepared to add a luscious finishing touch. Fresh orange juice, powdered sugar, and a touch of orange zest come together to create a velvety glaze that complements the cake's flavours. Once the cake is done baking, it is allowed to cool before being drizzled with the glossy glaze, providing an additional burst of citrus sweetness.

When sliced, the Eggless Orange Zest Cake reveals a tender and moist crumb with beautiful specks of orange zest throughout. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweetness and tang, leaving a delightful citrus aftertaste.

This eggless cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant hue of the orange zest and the glossy glaze makes it an attractive centrepiece for any dessert table.

Whether served with a cup of tea, as a delightful finish to a meal, or as a special treat on celebratory occasions, the Eggless Orange Zest Cake is sure to impress and satisfy anyone who takes a bite. It celebrates the vibrant and natural flavours of oranges in a tender and indulgent cake that is perfect for all to enjoy.

Dry Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

A pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/3 cup plain yoghurt

4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

1/2 cup canola oil (or any neutral vegetable oil)

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest (finely grated orange peel)