I recently discovered the deliciousness of Blood Orange Yogurt Cake, and I have to admit that I’m hooked! This cake is moist, flavorful, and has a beautiful pink hue that makes it stunning. The combination of tangy yogurt and sweet blood oranges makes for a delightful treat that’s not too heavy or overly sweet.
What I love about this cake is that it’s relatively easy to make, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. The recipe typically calls for all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, sugar, canola oil, yogurt, blood orange juice, and zest. You can also add a blood orange glaze on top for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful finishing touch.
Blood Orange Yogurt Cake Recipe
Here’s a recipe for an over-the-top moist and delicious Blood Orange Yogurt Cake:
Ingredients for the Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons blood orange zest
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice
Ingredients for the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed blood orange juice
- 1 tablespoon blood orange zest
- (Optional: red food coloring)
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan or loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, blood orange zest, and blood orange juice, and whisk until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. While the cake is baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, blood orange juice, blood orange zest, and red food coloring (if using) in a small bowl.
7. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
9. Slice and serve the cake, garnished with additional blood orange zest if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Blood Orange Yogurt Cake!
Serving
When it comes to serving your Blood Orange Yogurt Cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, this cake is delicious on its own, so you don’t need to do much to it to make it shine. However, there are a few ways to elevate the presentation and flavor of the cake.
One simple way to add a pop of color and flavor to the cake is to garnish it with fresh blood orange slices. Simply slice a few blood oranges thinly and arrange them on top of the cake. You can also sprinkle some chopped pistachios or slivered almonds on top for added crunch and texture.
If you want your cake to sparkle, sprinkle red edible glitter on your glazed cake.
Another option is to serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture of the whipped cream or ice cream pairs perfectly with the tangy, citrusy flavor of the cake.
When it comes to slicing the cake, make sure to use a sharp knife to get clean, even slices. You can also dust the slices with powdered sugar for added sweetness and presentation.
Variations
I love the versatility of this Blood Orange Yogurt Cake recipe. It’s a great base for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some variations that I have tried and loved:
Lemon Yogurt Cake
Instead of blood oranges, use lemons to make a Lemon Yogurt Cake. Replace the blood orange zest and juice with lemon zest and juice. The resulting cake is bright, tangy, and perfect for spring.
Grapefruit Yogurt Cake
For a more bitter and complex flavor, use grapefruit instead of blood oranges. Replace the blood orange zest and juice with grapefruit zest and juice. The grapefruit flavor pairs well with the sweetness of the cake. Use pink grapefruit for a more mellow flavor and colorful cake.
Orange Yogurt Cake
If you can’t find blood oranges, regular oranges work just as well. Replace the blood orange zest and juice with orange zest and juice. The cake will have a more classic orange flavor. You can replace 1/3 of the orange juice with lemon juice to lend some tang.
Winter Citrus Yogurt Cake
During the winter citrus season, experiment with different types of citrus fruits. Try using a combination of blood oranges, grapefruits, and lemons to create a Winter Citrus Yogurt Cake. The different flavors and colors will make for a beautiful and unique cake. Be sure to add warm spices like cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice.
Almond Yogurt Cake
For a nutty twist, add almond extract to the cake batter. The almond flavor pairs well with the citrus flavors and adds a depth of flavor to the cake.
Tips and Tricks
Before you go and grab your apron, I have a few tips and tricks to share that will help you achieve a perfect cake every time.
Tester
One of the most important tips I can give you is to use a tester to check if the cake is done. Insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is done. If there is still batter on the tester, bake the cake for a few more minutes and check again. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so make sure to check it regularly.
Photos
Taking photos of your cake is a great way to show off your baking skills and share your creation with others. To make your cake look its best, try using natural light and a simple background. Use white sheet of paper or cardboard as a reflector to avoid sharp shadows. You can also add some fresh blood orange slices or a dusting of powdered sugar to make your cake look even more appealing.
Tips
Here are a few more tips to help you make the perfect Blood Orange Yogurt Cake:
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- Make sure to mix the batter thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
- Grease and flour your pan well to prevent sticking. For the absolutely best result, line the pan with parchment paper.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing it to prevent it from falling apart.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make a delicious and beautiful Blood Orange Yogurt Cake that everyone will love.
What is the Best Way to Store Blood Orange Cake?
To keep your blood orange cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How Long does Blood Orange Yogurt Cake Last?
Blood Orange Yogurt Cake can last up to three days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator. However, it is best to consume it within the first few days for optimal freshness.
Can I Freeze Blood Orange Cake?
Yes, you can freeze your cake for up to two months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Conclusion
I absolutely loved making and tasting this cake. It was a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and the moist texture was just right. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who loves citrusy desserts.
One of the things I appreciated about this cake was how easy it was to make. The ingredients were simple and easy to find, and the recipe itself was straightforward. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you should be able to whip up this cake without any trouble.
Another thing I appreciated about this cake was how versatile it was. You could easily switch up the citrus fruit you use to make this cake, depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. You could also experiment with different types of yogurt or add in other flavors like vanilla or almond extract.
Give it a try and let me know what you think!