Orange Cake with Semolina and Almonds

Description

Semolina and ground almonds give this cake a luxurious weight and the whole oranges provide moisture and a sunny citrus flavor without using any dairy. The cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Ingredients

  • 2 large organic oranges, scrubbed and coarsely chopped (with the skin)
  • 5 eggs, separated
  • 1 cup white sugar, divided
  • ¾ cup ground almonds
  • ¾ cup semolina flour
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon fiori di Sicilia (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons brandy-based orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier®)
  • ½ teaspoon confectioners’ sugar (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine chopped oranges and 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan
  2. cover
  3. and cook over medium-low heat until oranges are soft and excess liquid has evaporated
  4. about 30 minutes. Set aside to cool
  5. about 20 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
  7. Place oranges in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until finely chopped.
  8. Beat egg whites in a glass
  9. metal
  10. or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar
  11. continuing to beat for 1 more minute.
  12. Beat egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a separate bowl until pale and thick
  13. 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in finely chopped oranges. Fold in ground almonds
  14. semolina
  15. vanilla extract
  16. and fiori di Sicilia. Stir in 3 spoonfuls of whisked egg white to loosen the batter. Gently fold in remaining egg whites with a spatula or large metal spoon. Pour batter into prepared springform and level the top.
  17. Bake in the preheated oven until cake is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean
  18. about 50 minutes. Check cake after 20 and 30 minutes to see if it is starting to brown too quickly. Cover top lightly with aluminum foil once cake starts to brown.
  19. Remove from oven and cool in the pan. Remove ring
  20. peel away parchment paper and transfer cake to a serving plate. Drizzle with liqueur and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 10

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