Nigella’s Whole Orange Cake is a vibrant, citrusy treat made with a whole orange, including the peel, giving it a delightful tang and fragrance. Blended with Greek yogurt and baked to perfection, the cake is topped with a sweet, sticky orange glaze. It’s an easy-to-make, moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion, with a zesty twist that’s sure to brighten your day.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• 1⅛ cups sugar

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2½ tsp baking powder (or 1 packet Italian Pane Degli Angeli)

• ⅓ cup butter, softened

• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

• 1 large organic orange (about 300g) – washed, chopped, seeds removed (keep the rind!)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (only if you’re not using Paneangeli)

For the glaze

• Juice of 1 orange

• ⅓ cup sugar

Directions

1. Prepare Your Tin and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Base: Beat the eggs and sugar together until light and frothy. Add the flour and baking powder (or Paneangeli), then mix in the butter. Stir in the yogurt, and the batter should be thick and creamy.

3. Blend the Orange: Place the whole chopped orange (peel included) into a food processor and blitz until smooth, leaving some zest bits.

4. Combine: Stir the orange puree into the cake batter. If using plain baking powder, add the vanilla extract here.

5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes before removing the sides.

6. Make the Glaze: Heat the orange juice and sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and it becomes syrupy. Brush the glaze over the warm cake and let it soak in. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 414 kcal

• Fat: 18g

• Carbs: 62g

• Protein: 3.3g

• Sodium: 425mg

• Sugar: 47g

The Key Ingredient: The Whole Orange

What sets this cake apart from other citrus cakes is the use of the entire orange, including the peel. Often, when baking with citrus, we only use the juice or the zest. In this recipe, the whole fruit, chopped and blitzed into a smooth puree, infuses the batter with a rich citrus flavor, making it more fragrant and full-bodied than typical citrus cakes. The peel not only adds a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the cake but also contributes to the overall texture, giving the cake a moist, dense crumb that’s incredibly satisfying.

Using the entire orange also means you get a deeper, more authentic citrus flavor that elevates the overall taste of the cake. The zest, which is often discarded in other recipes, is used here to provide a fresh, aromatic quality that’s unmistakably orange, while the pulp and juice add moisture and sweetness to the batter. The result is a cake that’s bursting with natural citrus flavor without being overly tart.

Greek Yogurt: Adding Moisture and Tenderness

Greek yogurt (or sour cream) is the secret ingredient that ensures this cake stays moist and tender. The tangy richness of Greek yogurt adds moisture to the batter without making it overly heavy. It helps the cake rise while maintaining a soft and airy texture, which balances the density created by the orange peel. Additionally, the slight tanginess from the yogurt complements the sweetness of the orange and glaze, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Greek yogurt also brings a bit of protein to the cake, making it a more substantial dessert that’s not overly sugary or rich. The creamy texture it imparts ensures that the cake is melt-in-your-mouth soft, while still holding its shape when sliced.

The Orange Glaze: Sweet and Sticky Perfection

The glaze is where the magic happens. Made from fresh orange juice and sugar, the glaze is brushed over the warm cake, infusing it with an additional layer of citrus sweetness. As the glaze soaks into the cake, it enhances the orange flavor, making every bite a burst of juicy, tangy goodness. The glaze’s sticky texture gives the cake a beautiful shine and keeps it moist, ensuring that each slice is as flavorful as the last.

This glaze is incredibly easy to make—simply heat orange juice and sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency. It’s a simple step, but it’s essential for creating the glossy finish that makes the cake look as impressive as it tastes. The glaze not only adds sweetness but also helps to balance out the natural bitterness of the orange peel, making the cake even more delightful.

Baking the Cake: A Simple Yet Effective Method

Nigella’s Whole Orange Cake comes together effortlessly. The process begins with beating the eggs and sugar until light and frothy, which helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy crumb. Once the eggs and sugar are beaten, the flour and baking powder (or Paneangeli) are added, followed by the butter and Greek yogurt. This mixture should be thick and creamy, providing the perfect base for the addition of the orange puree.

Once the whole orange is blitzed into a smooth puree, it’s stirred into the batter, infusing it with that unmistakable citrus aroma. The batter is then poured into a greased springform pan and baked at 350°F (180°C) for about 50-60 minutes. The result is a golden brown cake that smells as amazing as it looks. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean, signaling that the cake is perfectly baked.

A Cake for Any Occasion

Nigella’s Whole Orange Cake is an incredibly versatile dessert. Its vibrant, citrusy flavor makes it perfect for brightening up any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a special celebration, or an afternoon tea. The cake is elegant enough to serve at a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight dessert. The balance of sweetness and tang makes it a refreshing treat that isn’t too heavy, which makes it suitable for a variety of occasions.

The cake can be served on its own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. You can enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a few fresh berries. Its texture is such that it can be enjoyed both warm or at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead option. The glaze will keep the cake moist for several days, so you can enjoy it over time without worrying about it drying out.

Conclusion

Nigella’s Whole Orange Cake is a delightful, citrus-packed dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The use of the entire orange, including the peel, creates a bright, fragrant flavor that infuses the cake with natural sweetness and tang. The Greek yogurt adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, while the orange glaze enhances the flavor with a sticky, sweet finish. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a special event or simply treating yourself to something delicious. With its simple ingredients and irresistible flavor, Nigella’s Whole Orange Cake is sure to become a go-to favorite in your dessert repertoire.