Citrus Orange Cornmeal Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crust

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Citrus Orange Cornmeal Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Crust
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This uniquely textured cake combines the bright flavors of fresh oranges with the pleasant grittiness of cornmeal, all encased in a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon tea, this gluten-free creation offers a sophisticated twist on traditional cake.

Prep Time & Duration

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 10-12 slices

Ingredients

Cake Base

  • 3 medium oranges (1 whole with peel, 2 peeled)
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) neutral oil (sunflower, soy, or coconut)
  • 1½ cups (300g) sugar
  • 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
  • 1 cup (120g) cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

Cinnamon Sugar Crust

  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Butter or margarine for greasing

Instructions

Preparing the Pan

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
  2. Grease pan thoroughly with butter
  3. Mix cinnamon and sugar
  4. Coat pan with cinnamon-sugar mixture:
  • Bottom and sides
  • Tap out excess

Making the Batter

  1. Prepare oranges:
  • Remove seeds
  • Remove white pith from peeled oranges
  • Roughly chop
  1. In blender combine:
  • Prepared oranges
  • Eggs
  • Oil
  • Sugar
    Blend until smooth
  1. Add dry ingredients:
  • Mix in cornmeal
  • Add cornstarch
  • Finally add baking powder
    Blend briefly just to combine

Baking

  1. Pour batter into prepared pan
  2. Bake 30-40 minutes until:
  • Golden brown
  • Toothpick comes out clean
  • Edges pull from pan

Professional Tips

  • Use room temperature eggs
  • Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients
  • Check cake at 30 minutes
  • Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing

Nutrition Information (per slice)

  • Calories: 285
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Vitamin C: 15%

Storage Guidelines

  • Room temperature: 3 days
  • Refrigerated: 1 week
  • Freezer: 2 months
  • Store in airtight container

Recipe Variations

Flavor Additions

  • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Include orange zest
  • Mix in 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • Add ½ cup toasted almonds

Topping Options

  • Orange glaze
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh orange segments
  • Candied orange peel

Serving Suggestions

  • Warm with coffee
  • Room temperature for tea
  • With vanilla ice cream
  • Topped with citrus compote

Perfect for:

  • Breakfast treat
  • Afternoon tea
  • Gluten-free option
  • Holiday gifting
  • Brunch events

Common Questions

  1. Can I use regular flour?
  • No, cornmeal and cornstarch are essential for texture
  1. Is this cake gluten-free?
  • Yes, if using certified gluten-free ingredients
  1. Can I reduce the sugar?
  • Yes, can reduce by ¼ cup without affecting texture

This orange cornmeal cake offers:

  • Bright citrus flavor
  • Unique cornmeal texture
  • Crispy cinnamon crust
  • Moist interior

A perfect balance of flavors and textures makes this cake both sophisticated and comforting, ideal for any occasion requiring a special dessert.

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