An orange almond loaf cake offers a balanced sweetness suitable for any time of day, including breakfast. The cake relies on a combination of wholesome ingredients for its flavor and texture.
It pairs well with morning coffee or as an evening treat. The recipe includes sweet potato for moisture, olive oil for richness, and maple syrup for sweetness. Coconut sugar and orange zest provide deeper flavor notes.
The cake is bound with eggs and uses almond extract for depth. Almond flour and oat flour form the base, while baking powder and baking soda provide lift. Salt is added for balance, and optional sliced almonds or Demerara sugar can be used for topping.
Recipe Details
The ingredients are straightforward. You will need one cup of cooked and cooled sweet potato, two-thirds cup of olive oil, and half a cup of maple syrup. Also required are a quarter cup of coconut sugar and the zest from one orange.
Use three eggs, one teaspoon of almond extract, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. The dry ingredients include one and a half cups of almond flour, one cup of oat flour, one teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt.
Preparation Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut sugar and orange zest, rubbing them together until fragrant.
Add the sweet potato, olive oil, and maple syrup, whisking until smooth. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond and vanilla extracts. Fold in all the dry ingredients until the batter is combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with sliced almonds, raw sugar, and sesame seeds if desired. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve sliced.
Useful Baking Tips
For best results, press the orange zest into the sugar with your fingers before mixing. This step releases the citrus oils and intensifies the flavor. Using room-temperature ingredients helps them combine smoothly and promotes even baking.
Avoid overbaking the loaf. Remove it from the oven as soon as a tester comes out clean. Letting it cool briefly in the pan before moving it to a rack helps retain moisture.
The cake can be served plain or with simple accompaniments. A swirl of whipped cream, vanilla yogurt, or a scoop of ice cream adds richness. Fresh fruit, jam, or a drizzle of honey also complement the orange flavor.
This style of baking, using ingredients like almond flour and unrefined sweeteners, aligns with a preference for less processed foods. Such cakes are often sought for their perceived nutritional profile and suitability for various eating occasions, from a quick breakfast to a simple dessert.
