This indulgent dessert combines the bright citrus flavor of orange with a moist, syrup-infused cake and a beautifully caramelized meringue topping. Perfect for special occasions or an elegant treat!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
For the Syrup:
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For the Meringue Brûlée:
- 2 large egg whites
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the orange zest and juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the yogurt, until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Prepare the Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, heat the orange juice, sugar, and zest over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Let the syrup cool slightly.
- Once the cake is out of the oven, poke small holes in it and pour the warm syrup evenly over the cake. Let it soak in completely.
3. Prepare the Meringue Brûlée:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar (if using) and continue beating.
- Gradually add the sugar while beating until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread the meringue over the cooled cake.
- Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the meringue until golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, place the cake under the broiler for a few seconds, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve at room temperature with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
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