Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy! This orange glazed polenta cake is not just a dessert; it's a magical fusion of rustic charm and vibrant citrus flavors that will make your kitchen smell like a Mediterranean dream. With its golden, tender crumb and luxurious orange glaze, this cake is about to become your new obsession – a dessert so irresistible, it'll have your guests begging for the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of polenta, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs until they are frothy. Add in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of orange juice, and the zest of 1 orange. Mix until all the wet ingredients are well combined.
- Gradually add the dry polenta mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/4 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the warm orange glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to soak in. Optionally, garnish with additional orange zest or slices for presentation.
- Slice and serve your delicious orange glazed polenta cake to enjoy a delightful Italian dessert that serves 10 people!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The zest of a fresh orange makes a world of difference in flavor intensity.
- Don't overmix the batter: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
- Check your cake's doneness: A toothpick should come out clean, but don't overbake – this can dry out the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing: This ensures the glaze sets properly and doesn't make the cake soggy.
- For extra moisture, poke small holes in the cake before adding the glaze to help it penetrate deeply.
- Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor development.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
