Ingredients:
200g all-purpose flour
150g granulated sugar
10g baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
120ml vegetable oil
120ml freshly squeezed orange juice
Zest of 2 oranges
1 tsp orange blossom water
1 tbsp honey (for glazing)
1/4 cup sliced almonds (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground turmeric, ground cardamom, and salt until well combined.
3. Blend Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Add the vegetable oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and orange blossom water to the eggs. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender crumb.
5. Transfer and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Glaze and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan.
While the cake is still warm, gently brush the top with honey to add a subtle sweetness and shine.
Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the honey-glazed surface for added texture and flavor.
7. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips:
Orange Blossom Water: This fragrant water adds a unique floral note to the cake. If unavailable, you can substitute it with pure vanilla extract.
Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. Nutmeg or allspice can be added for a different flavor profile.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
