This Soft Apricot and Orange Blossom Cake is a delicate and fragrant dessert that combines the sweetness of apricots with the floral notes of orange blossom. It’s a perfect treat for a special occasion or a simple afternoon indulgence.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Cake:
🍑 1 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
🍊 1/4 cup orange juice
🥚 3 large eggs
🍬 3/4 cup granulated sugar
🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
🍞 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
🥄 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
🧂 1/4 tsp salt
🍊 1 tsp orange zest
🌸 1 tsp orange blossom water
For the Glaze (Optional):
🍋 1 cup powdered sugar
🥛 2-3 tbsp orange juice
🌸 1/2 tsp orange blossom water
📝 Directions:
- Preheat Oven: 🔥 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Apricots: 🍑 In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped dried apricots with the orange juice. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes to soften and absorb the juice.
- Make the Cake Batter: 🍰 In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the melted butter, mixing well. Stir in the orange zest and orange blossom water.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: 🍞 In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the soaked apricots and any remaining orange juice.
- Bake the Cake: 🍰 Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): 🍋 In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange blossom water until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Cake: 🍰 Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Serve: 🍽️ Slice the cake and serve, garnishing with extra dried apricots or orange zest if desired.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your Soft Apricot and Orange Blossom Cake, a fragrant and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
⏱ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 55 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8-10 servings
🔥 Calories: 250 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a more intense apricot flavor, you can add a tablespoon of apricot jam to the cake batter.
Enjoy your delicate and flavorful Soft Apricot and Orange Blossom Cake! 🍑✨