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
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease pan thoroughly with butter
- Mix cinnamon and sugar
- Coat pan with cinnamon-sugar mixture:
- Bottom and sides
- Tap out excess
Making the Batter
- Prepare oranges:
- Remove seeds
- Remove white pith from peeled oranges
- Roughly chop
- In blender combine:
- Prepared oranges
- Eggs
- Oil
- Sugar
Blend until smooth
- Add dry ingredients:
- Mix in cornmeal
- Add cornstarch
- Finally add baking powder
Blend briefly just to combine
Baking
- Pour batter into prepared pan
- 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
- Can I use regular flour?
- No, cornmeal and cornstarch are essential for texture
- Is this cake gluten-free?
- Yes, if using certified gluten-free ingredients
- 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.
