Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a dessert that's about to become your new obsession! This isn't just another cake - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, tender crumb of a classic buttermilk cake with the vibrant, unexpected twist of blood orange frosting. Imagine cutting into a perfectly baked cake that's both luxuriously moist and elegantly topped with a glossy, sunset-colored glaze that promises to make your Instagram followers swoon with envy. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe is your ticket to dessert paradise!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup blood orange juice
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the blood orange frosting, whisk together blood orange juice and powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the blood orange frosting over the top, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides.
- Let the frosting set for 10-15 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy at room temperature.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more evenly textured cake.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Pan Preparation is Key: Use parchment paper in addition to greasing and flouring the pan for guaranteed easy cake removal.
- Frosting Consistency: If your blood orange frosting is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it's too thick, splash in a few more drops of blood orange juice.
- Cooling Matters: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the glaze from melting or sliding off.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra citrusy punch, consider adding some blood orange zest to the cake batter or frosting.
- Storage Tip: This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days and can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
