Orange Polenta Cake Recipe - A Taste of England

Introduction: 

The Orange Polenta Cake is a delightful English dessert that boasts a unique combination of citrusy orange flavors and the subtle, nutty texture of polenta. This cake is a true delight for those seeking a sweet treat with a touch of sophistication. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create a delicious Orange Polenta Cake that captures the essence of English baking.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

Zest of 2 oranges

4 large eggs

1 cup (120g) fine polenta

1 cup (120g) almond meal (ground almonds)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

A pinch of salt

Juice of 2 oranges

For the Orange Syrup:

Juice of 2 oranges

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

Instructions:

For the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Add the orange zest and beat until it's well incorporated into the mixture.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

In a separate bowl, combine the fine polenta, almond meal, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Finally, stir in the juice of the two oranges to create a smooth batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the Orange Syrup.

For the Orange Syrup:

In a saucepan, combine the juice of two oranges and granulated sugar.

Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Allow the syrup to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly into a syrupy consistency. Remove it from heat.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate or platter.

While the cake is still warm, drizzle the Orange Syrup evenly over the top, allowing it to soak into the cake.

Let the cake cool completely before serving.

Conclusion: 

The Orange Polenta Cake is a unique and sophisticated English dessert that offers a delightful blend of citrusy orange flavors and the subtle texture of polenta. Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of tea or as a dessert for a special occasion, this cake captures the essence of English baking and is sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy every delightful bite!