Orange Polenta Cake

Orange Polenta Cake is a deliciously moist, gluten-free cake that combines the zesty brightness of oranges with the slightly gritty texture of polenta (cornmeal). This cake is incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a special dessert. It’s fragrant with citrus and has a pleasant, crumbly texture thanks to the polenta, making it a perfect alternative to traditional flour-based cakes. The natural sweetness of the orange glaze that drips over the top adds a beautiful touch and elevates the flavor profile.

With a vibrant, golden hue and a perfect balance of sweet and tart, this cake is a crowd-pleaser and sure to be a favorite for anyone who enjoys a citrusy treat.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (200g) polenta (cornmeal)
• 1 cup (120g) almond flour (or ground almonds)
• 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 large oranges (zest and juice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Orange Syrup (optional, but recommended):

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from the zested oranges)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch round cake pan (or an equivalent size)
• Parchment paper (optional, for lining the cake pan)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)
• Small saucepan (for the syrup)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the cake pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier once it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the polenta, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The batter will be slightly thick, and that’s completely normal due to the polenta.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.

2. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be wet).

3. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Orange Syrup (Optional)

While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the orange syrup to soak the cake and add extra citrus flavor.

1. Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.

2. Let it Cool: Remove the syrup from the heat and set aside to cool.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, you can glaze it with the orange syrup (this step is optional but adds a lovely shine and extra flavor).

1. Drizzle the Syrup: Using a spoon or brush, drizzle the orange syrup evenly over the top of the cooled cake. The syrup will soak into the cake, making it even more moist and flavorful.

2. Serve: Let the syrup soak in for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Oranges: For the best flavor, use fresh, juicy oranges for both the zest and the juice. The zest is where most of the citrusy fragrance comes from, while the juice gives the cake its tartness.

2. Adjust Sweetness: This cake is naturally not overly sweet, so if you prefer a sweeter cake, you can increase the sugar in the batter by 2-3 tablespoons. You can also add more syrup if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

3. Add a Crunchy Top: For a bit of extra texture, you can sprinkle a few slivered almonds or chopped pistachios on top of the cake before baking. They’ll toast nicely as the cake bakes and add a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

4. Make It a Layer Cake: If you want to make this a more elaborate dessert, you can bake the cake in two 9-inch pans, slice each cake in half horizontally, and fill the layers with whipped cream or orange-flavored buttercream.

5. Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (assuming 10 servings per cake):

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 19g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 6% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 30% of the DV
• Calcium: 4% of the DV
• Iron: 6% of the DV

(Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Orange Polenta Cake is a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for spring, Easter, or any time you want something a little different. The combination of zesty orange and slightly coarse polenta gives this cake an unforgettable texture and flavor that’s both light and satisfying. Plus, the optional orange syrup adds a glossy finish and even more citrus goodness. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you serve it on its own or with a dollop of cream.

Enjoy baking this beautiful cake, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!