Orange Tea Cake

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Oct. 12, 2022
This from-scratch sponge cake has a hint of orange in every bite...and is wonderful served with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It doesn't need frosting—just dust a little confectioners' sugar on top.—Beth Duerr of North Tonawanda, New York

Ingredients

  • 7 large eggs
  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
  • 6 tablespoons orange juice
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 3/4 teaspoon confectioners' sugar

Directions

  1. Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sift flour and salt; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Blend in orange juice and zest. Add dry ingredients to yolk mixture; mix well.
  3. In another bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold a fourth of egg whites into the batter, then fold in remaining whites.
  4. Gently spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan onto a wire rack; cool completely, about 1 hour.
  5. Run a knife around sides of cake and remove to a serving plate. Dust with confectioner's sugar.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 211 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.