This recipe uses the whole orange, skin and all, along with a few other wholesome ingredients to create a delicious treat that’s both nutritious and satisfying. This quick and easy orange cake recipe using only 5 ingredients is a perfect way to celebrate seasonal produce and enjoy a guilt-free treat. Whether you choose my sugar-free version or the sweeter alternative, you’ll love the zesty and refreshing taste of the whole orange.
Ingredients:
✻ 1 whole orange (skin and all)
✻ 1/2 cup dates
✻ 3 eggs
✻ 1 cup almond meal
✻ 1 tsp baking powder
Method:
✦ Gently simmer the whole orange for about 30 minutes in a pot of water on your stove top.
✦ While the orange simmers, place the dates in a bowl of boiled water to soften them.
✦ Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
✦ Once the orange has cooled, cut it into quarters and blitz in your blender along with the softened dates (strained).
✦ In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then combine them with the orange-date paste. Add the almond meal and baking powder and stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
✦ Line a baking tray (approximately 20cm x 11cm) with parchment paper and pour the cake batter into the tray, spreading evenly.
✦ Dress your cake with slivered or flaked almonds, sunflower seeds, pepitas, choc chips, or a combination of these giving a pleasing texture and crunch.
✦ Bake in a preheated oven for around 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
✦ Allow your loaf to cool on a wire rack and savour while it’s still warm. I personally relish it in its natural state, but you can also consider serving it with yogurt, a dollop of cream, or a scoop of ice cream if you prefer.
Optional Sugar Variation: If you have a sweet tooth or prefer a sweeter treat, you can make a simple modification. Instead of using dates, swap them out for 1/2 cup of sugar. This will give your cake that extra sweetness without compromising on its simplicity. I have a much more decadent version that I adore but I created this recipe to cut out the refined sugar [hence the dates], better suited to my health goals and much more time efficient.