Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake Recipe With Light Fluffy Texture

Name: Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups sifted cake flour; 1 ½ cups superfine sugar (divided); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon table salt; ½ cup vegetable oil; 7 large eggs, separated (yolks and whites); 3 additional egg whites; ¾ cup orange juice; Zest from 2 oranges; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ¼ teaspoons cream of tartar; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 4-5 tablespoons orange juice; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

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Why You’ll Love This Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake that’s as light as a cloud with a burst of citrusy goodness. This recipe combines simplicity with delightful flavors, making it a go-to dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself after a long day, its airy texture and fresh orange taste will leave you craving more.

You’ll appreciate the ease of preparation in this Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake recipe, as it involves straightforward steps that even beginners can master. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour and 20 minutes, so you can enjoy fresh-baked treats without spending the whole day in the kitchen. Plus, using ingredients like fresh orange zest and juice adds nutritional perks, including vitamin C and antioxidants, which can brighten your day while satisfying your sweet tooth.

The versatility of this Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake shines through in its adaptability to various diets, such as vegan or gluten-free options, while keeping the light and fluffy texture intact. Each serving packs about 325 calories, with 65 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat, plus 111 milligrams of cholesterol and 47 grams of sugar, making it a balanced choice for diet-conscious folks. Let’s dive into what makes this cake a favorite among home bakers and food enthusiasts alike.

Key Benefits and Flavors

This Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake stands out for its distinctive citrus flavor from Navel oranges, which offer a superior taste that elevates the whole experience. The bright glaze adds a glossy finish and extra moisture, turning a simple bake into something memorable. Baking enthusiasts, busy parents, or seniors will find it rewarding to whip up, as the recipe encourages gentle techniques like sifting flour for accuracy and beating egg whites to medium peaks.

From my own kitchen adventures, I’ve discovered how this cake brings people together, much like sharing stories over coffee. If you’re a traveler looking for easy recipes to try abroad, the portable nature of this treat makes it ideal.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake
2. Essential Ingredients for Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake
5. Mastering Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake
8. Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake

Essential Ingredients for Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a perfect Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake. Fresh, high-quality items ensure that light and fluffy texture we all love. Below, I’ve listed everything you need, divided into sections for the cake and the glaze, to make shopping and measuring straightforward.

For the Cake

2 ¼ cups sifted cake flour
1 ½ cups superfine sugar (divided)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon table salt
½ cup vegetable oil
7 large eggs, separated (yolks and whites)
3 additional egg whites
¾ cup orange juice
Zest from 2 oranges
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ teaspoons cream of tartar

For the Orange Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
4-5 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

These ingredients come together to create a cake that’s moist and airy, with the orange elements providing that zesty punch. For special dietary needs, you can make swaps like using a gluten-free flour blend if you’re following a gluten-free path, similar to what I discuss in other recipes on the site. If you’re curious about similar fruit-infused bakes, check out my pineapple sunshine cake for more inspiration.

How to Prepare the Perfect Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s walk through making an Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake, step by step, so you can bake with confidence. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) to get everything ready for that perfect rise. This process is simple, but paying attention to details like separating eggs carefully will help your cake turn out light and fluffy every time.

Prepping and Mixing the Batter

In a bowl, sift together the cake flour, 1 cup of the superfine sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution. Then, add the vegetable oil, egg yolks, orange juice, zest from 2 oranges, and vanilla extract, mixing for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. This step builds the base of your Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake, infusing it with fresh citrus notes.

In a separate clean bowl, beat the combined 10 egg whites (from the 7 eggs plus 3 extra) with the remaining ½ cup superfine sugar and cream of tartar until medium peaks form. Gently fold this into the flour mixture to keep that airiness intact, which is key for the cake’s texture.

Baking and Glazing

Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Once done, cool the cake upside down in the pan to prevent it from collapsing it’s a simple trick that makes a big difference. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, orange zest, 4-5 tablespoons orange juice, lemon juice, and melted unsalted butter, then pour it over the cooled cake for that shiny finish.

This method draws from classic techniques, and if you’re interested in more citrusy desserts, my lemon oatmeal cookies offer a great companion recipe. Remember, folding gently is like giving your cake a hug it keeps everything light and prevents overmixing.

Step	Time Estimate	Key Tip
Preheating Oven	5-10 minutes	Use an oven thermometer for accuracy
Mixing and Folding	15 minutes	Fold in thirds to maintain air
Baking	45-50 minutes	Avoid opening the oven door early
Cooling and Glazing	1 hour	Let cool fully before glazing

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake

Adapting your Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake for different needs is easy and fun. For instance, if you’re vegan, replace eggs with aquafaba to keep that airy lift without losing flavor. These changes let everyone enjoy the cake’s light texture while tailoring it to their preferences.

For egg replacements, use aquafaba or flaxseed meal for vegan diets.
Substitute vegetable oil with light olive oil or avocado oil to vary fat profiles.
Use citrus alternatives like lemon or lime zest and juice to suit taste preferences.
Adjust sweetness by replacing superfine sugar with honey or maple syrup.
For gluten-free options, utilize almond flour blends or oat flour mixes.

These tweaks maintain the cake’s integrity, much like how I adjust recipes for my readers who are always on the go. It’s all about making baking accessible for busy parents and working professionals.

Mastering Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake to the next level involves some pro techniques, like gently folding egg whites to preserve airiness and perhaps using a water bath during baking to avoid cracking. Tips such as using Navel oranges for better flavor and sifting flour before measuring ensure accuracy and a superior result.

Flavor Twists and Presentation Ideas

Explore variations by adding spices like cardamom or swapping orange for tangerine for a unique twist. For presentation, garnish with orange slices or fresh mint to make it visually appealing. You can even bake ahead and freeze the cake without the glaze, then add it after thawing for convenience.

In my experience, these methods encourage creativity, perfect for baking enthusiasts. For more ideas on fruit-based cakes, the health benefits of oranges can inspire healthier twists.

How to Store Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake fresh and tasty. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to extend its shelf life. Freezing works well too wrap it tightly and it can last up to 2 months.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for freshness.
Freeze by wrapping in plastic wrap and foil.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Prepare individual slices for easy meal prep.

This approach helps maintain the cake’s light texture, ideal for students or newlyweds planning ahead. For more storage tips on similar bakes, check out resources like the best chiffon cake bake-off.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Glazed Chiffon Cake

Why is chiffon cake baked in an ungreased pan?

Chiffon cake is baked in an ungreased pan to allow the batter to cling to the sides as it rises. This helps the cake maintain its height and airy texture. If the pan were greased, the cake could slide down the sides during baking, causing it to collapse and lose its lightness. The ungreased surface also promotes even baking, resulting in a soft yet structured crumb typical of chiffon cakes.

What makes orange glazed chiffon cake different from other chiffon cakes?

Orange glazed chiffon cake stands out because it combines the light, fluffy texture of traditional chiffon cake with a bright, citrusy orange flavor and a sweet, glossy glaze. The orange zest and juice are usually incorporated into the batter for a fresh taste, while the glaze adds moisture and a shiny finish. This pairing enhances the cake’s aroma and makes it especially refreshing and flavorful.

How can I prevent my chiffon cake from collapsing after baking?

To prevent your chiffon cake from collapsing, avoid overmixing the batter, especially the egg whites. Bake it immediately after preparing the batter to keep the air incorporated. After baking, invert the pan to cool the cake upside down—this keeps it from sinking while cooling. Also, use an ungreased tube pan to help the cake cling to the sides and maintain its structure.

Can I substitute other citrus fruits for orange in a chiffon cake glaze?

Yes, you can substitute lemons, limes, or grapefruits for orange in a chiffon cake glaze. Each citrus fruit will give a unique flavor profile—lemon adds tartness, lime offers a sharp, zesty taste, and grapefruit provides a slightly bitter note. When making substitutions, adjust the sugar in the glaze to balance the acidity for the best flavor.

What is the best way to store orange glazed chiffon cake to keep it fresh?

To keep orange glazed chiffon cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat it within one to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap or covered tightly to prevent drying out. Let refrigerated cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Avoid freezing the glazed cake as it may affect the glaze’s texture.

Orange Chiffon Cake Recipe with Light and Fluffy Texture