Orange Almond Sheet Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to make, look no further than this delightful Orange Almond Sheet Cake. This cake is a celebration of citrus and nutty goodness, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. With its moist texture and zesty aroma, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

The beauty of this Orange Almond Sheet Cake lies in its simplicity and versatility. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to make this cake time and time again:

– **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of orange and almond creates a delightful flavor profile that’s refreshing and indulgent.
– **Easy to Make**: With straightforward steps and minimal equipment, you’ll find that this cake is a breeze to whip up.
– **Perfect for Sharing**: The sheet cake format makes it easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
– **Customizable**: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the flavors to make it your own!

Gather These Ingredients

To create your own Orange Almond Sheet Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salted butter, cut into cubes (for a rich flavor)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (to sweeten the cake perfectly)
• 1 cup water (to keep the cake moist)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for added moisture)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (for tenderness)
• 2 large eggs (for structure)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (for a burst of citrus flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract (to enhance the orange flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (for a nutty aroma)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (the base of the cake)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (for leavening)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
• 1/2 cup salted butter, cut into pieces (for the frosting)
• 1/3 cup milk (to achieve the right frosting consistency)
• 1 (16-ounce) box confectioners’ sugar (for sweetness and frosting texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (flavor for the frosting)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to enhance the frosting flavor)
• 1/3 cup sliced toasted almonds (for topping and crunch)

Gear Checklist

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready:

• Mixing bowls – for combining ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accuracy in your ingredients
• Whisk or electric mixer – for blending the batter smoothly
• Rubber spatula – for scraping down the sides of your bowl
• Sheet pan – for baking your cake evenly
• Cooling rack – to cool the cake properly before frosting
• Offset spatula – for spreading the frosting evenly

Orange Almond Sheet Cake Cooking Guide

Ready to bake? Follow these steps for a perfectly fluffy Orange Almond Sheet Cake.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray, and set it aside. This helps the cake release easily after baking.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed salted butter and granulated sugar. Using a whisk or electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the water, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the orange zest, orange extract, and almond extract, stirring until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the pieces of salted butter and milk until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until fully combined. Add the almond extract and salt, and mix until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, use an offset spatula to spread the almond frosting evenly across the top.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the top with sliced toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. Slice the cake into squares and serve!

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

If you’re looking to make this cake dairy-free or gluten-free, here are some easy swaps:

• Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
• Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of the salted butter.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Ensure that your baking soda and confectioners’ sugar are certified gluten-free.

If You’re Curious

This Orange Almond Sheet Cake is not only delicious but also has some interesting notes:

• The orange zest enhances the cake’s flavor dramatically, so don’t skip it!
• Toasting the almonds brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor.
• This cake can easily be made a day in advance, making it a great option for busy bakers.
• Feel free to experiment with different extracts or even add a layer of orange curd for an extra zing!

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

To keep your Orange Almond Sheet Cake fresh:

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. For best results, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Reader Q&A

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.

How can I make this cake more citrusy?

For a more pronounced orange flavor, try adding more orange zest or a splash of fresh orange juice to the batter.

What can I use instead of almond extract?

If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can replace it with additional orange extract or even vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake keeps well in the refrigerator and can be made a day in advance to save time on the day of your gathering.

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The Takeaway

This Orange Almond Sheet Cake is a delightful combination of flavors that’s sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a cake you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of sunshine with every bite!