Orange Almond Sheet Cake

Here’s a delectable recipe for Orange Almond Sheet Cake, a treat that combines the bright zest of oranges with the delightful crunch of almonds. It’s a moist, flavorful cake that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress without the fuss. Imagine biting into this fluffy, citrus-infused cake, a whisper of almond and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Recipe Details

• Flavor Profile: This sheet cake features a lovely balance of sweet and tangy flavors, highlighted by the fresh orange zest and juice, complemented by the nutty almond.
• Textures: The cake has a light, airy crumb with a slight crunch from the almond flour.
• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes of active time, plus baking time of 30-35 minutes.
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. This cake is simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

What You’ll Need

This Orange Almond Sheet Cake comes together beautifully with a few simple components. You’ll need all the ingredients for the cake batter itself – including flour, sugar, eggs, and, of course, the star flavors of orange and almond. Baking powder gives the cake lift, while a touch of oil keeps it moist. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top is all you need for a stunning finish.

Ingredient Notes

Here are a few quick notes to make sure your cake is its absolute best.

• All-Purpose Flour – This provides the structure for the cake. Make sure you measure it properly – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
• Granulated Sugar – This adds sweetness to the cake and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder – Don’t skip this. Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
• Oranges – Freshly zested and juiced oranges are key in this recipe for the best flavor.
• Almond Flour – This gives the cake a unique texture and flavor. Make sure you use almond flour, not almond meal, for the best results.
• Powdered Sugar – This simple touch adds beauty to the cake.

Add-ins and Substitutions

While the recipe is delicious as is, here are some fun ideas for variation:

• Add Nuts: Toasted sliced almonds sprinkled on top of the finished cake would add another layer of flavor and texture.

How to Make Orange Almond Sheet Cake

Ready to bake this gorgeous cake? Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, then dust with flour.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, and oil.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Add the almond flour, mixing until incorporated.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

Pro Tip: Be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.

Recipe Tips

Use these tips to ensure your Orange Almond Sheet Cake turns out perfectly.

• Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly zested oranges for the most vibrant flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the cake. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from dissolving.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, especially for the flour.
• Grease and Flour the Pan: This step is crucial for easy removal of the cake.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this Orange Almond Sheet Cake.

• Can I use bottled orange juice? Freshly squeezed orange juice will give the best flavor, though you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch.
• How do I store the cake? Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Can I make this cake in advance? Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it.
• Can I substitute the almond flour? While the almond flour contributes to the cake’s flavor and texture, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour if you are in a pinch. However, the texture will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

This Orange Almond Sheet Cake is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:

• A dollop of whipped cream
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries
• A drizzle of honey

Make This Recipe in Advance

You can make the batter and bake the cake one day ahead of serving and store at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar right before serving to keep the glaze fresh. This cake freezes well; wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Orange Almond Sheet Cake

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• Total Time: Approximately 75-80 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12 1x

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Description

A moist, flavorful sheet cake that combines the bright zest of oranges with the delightful crunch of almonds. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Batter
1/2 cup salted butter, cut into cubes
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Icing
1/2 cup salted butter, cut into pieces
1/3 cup milk
1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teapsoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sliced toasted almonds

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and grease a 15×10-inch pan with baking spray and flour.

For the batter, melt 1/2 cup butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.

Add sugar, water, oil, buttermilk, eggs, orange zest, orange extract, and almond extract. Mix with an electric mixer until combined.

Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Pour into the prepared pan.
Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

For the icing, melt butter and milk in a microwave-safe bowl.

Add powdered sugar, salt, and almond extract. Beat until smooth. Pour over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with almonds.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly zested oranges for the most vibrant flavor.

Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the cake. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.

Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent it from dissolving.

Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, especially for the flour.

Grease and Flour the Pan: This step is crucial for easy removal of the cake.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: Unknown
• Fat: Unknown
• Carbohydrates: Unknown
• Protein: Unknown